NorthStar Public Schools

BACKGROUND

NorthStar Public Schools Overview

NorthStar Public Schools (Formerly KIPP MN Public Schools) is a one-of-a-kind school committed to creating a safe and nurturing learning environment where our K-8 students thrive academically, build skills and positive traits, and recognize their full potential. 

With our focus on Business & Finance, we give our students a unique advantage to prepare them for successful future endeavors. Business and financial literacy are essential skills that span across all career pathways, empowering students to make informed decisions, achieve financial independence, and thrive in their personal and professional lives.

Who We Are: NorthStar Public Schools is a community-based public charter school that provides free education to approximately 250 students in grades K-8 in North Minneapolis. With a majority of our student body identifying as BIPOC and qualifying for Free or Reduced Priced Lunch, our school community is passionate and dedicated to narrowing academic achievement gaps prevalent in BIPOC communities, as well as providing wrap-around services for our school community.

POSITION OVERVIEW 

NorthStar Public Schools is seeking an innovative, mission-driven educator to serve as a Business, Finance, and Entrepreneurship Teacher within the school’s emerging academic niche focused on preparing students for economic empowerment, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and real-world career readiness.

This educator will help design and deliver engaging, hands-on learning experiences that introduce students in grades K–8 to foundational concepts in business, personal finance, entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, and wealth-building. The ideal candidate believes all students deserve early exposure to economic opportunity, ownership, problem-solving, and future-focused career pathways.

The teacher will integrate project-based learning, community partnerships, experiential learning, and culturally responsive instruction to help students develop entrepreneurial thinking and financial confidence.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Instruction and Curriculum

• Design and deliver engaging lessons in:
  • Financial literacy
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Business fundamentals
  • Leadership development
  • Career exploration
  • Budgeting and saving
  • Marketing and branding
  • Innovation and problem-solving
  • Business communication
  • Economic concepts
• Develop age-appropriate business and entrepreneurship experiences for elementary- and middle-school students.
• Facilitate project-based learning opportunities such as:
  • Student-run businesses
  • Market days
  • Shark Tank-style presentations
  • Business pitch competitions
  • Financial simulations
  • Community-based projects
• Integrate business and financial literacy concepts across core academic subjects.
• Utilize data to assess student growth and instructional effectiveness.

• Foster a classroom culture centered on leadership, creativity, accountability, and innovation.
• Help students build confidence in public speaking, collaboration, decision-making, and critical thinking.
• Support students in developing entrepreneurial mindsets, including resilience, initiative, adaptability, and goal setting.
• Build strong relationships with students and families to support student success.​​​​​

• Collaborate with local businesses, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, colleges, and community organizations to create authentic learning opportunities.
• Coordinate guest speakers, field trips, mentorship opportunities, and career exposure experiences.
• Support the development of internships, business showcases, and community entrepreneurship events as the program expands.

• Participate fully in the KIPP Minnesota professional culture and community.
• Collaborate with teachers and school leaders to align instruction with school goals.
• Attend required meetings, professional development, family events, and school activities.
• Support the school’s mission to prepare students for academic achievement, economic mobility, and lifelong success.
• Experience building community partnerships

• Passion for preparing students for real-world success
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Creativity and innovation in instructional design
• Ability to make complex business and financial concepts accessible to young learners
• Strong organizational and collaboration skills
• Commitment to continuous improvement and professional growth

DESIRED EXPERIENCE 

Required 

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Valid Minnesota teaching license or ability to obtain appropriate licensure
• Experience working with children or adolescents
• Strong instructional and classroom management skills
• Commitment to educational equity and culturally responsive teaching
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Highly organized and punctual
• A high degree of flexibility
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with using technology in teaching and learning
• Skill in using positive, constructive disciplinary approaches
• Familiarity with current teaching/ learning theories

Highly Preferred 

• Background in business, finance, economics, entrepreneurship, marketing, or related fields
• Experience with project-based learning
• Experience in business ownership, nonprofit leadership, banking, finance, or entrepreneurship
• Knowledge of financial literacy education frameworks
• ​​​​​​​Experience building community partnerships

• Ability to supervise students in classrooms and community settings
• Ability to occasionally lift instructional materials and equipment
• Ability to participate in school events and field experiences

COMPENSATION

Salary: $44,880+

*To establish equitable salary practices, the compensation package is derived from the Regional NorthStar Public Schools pay scale and benefits package, which includes medical, dental, life, long-term disability, and retirement benefits, as well as an annual salary review and revision.