Career Center
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Founder and Principal of KIPP AMP Charter School
Ky Adderley is the Founder and Principal of KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) AMP (Always Mentally Prepared) Public Charter School in Brooklyn, New York. "I was responsible for every decision from locating the building and creating a curriculum to designing the school mascot and choosing the school colors. It is not a coincidence I chose blue and gray; they're colors that represent unity and family. It is like a start-up business, which I love!"
Ky not only had to recruit, train and hire new staff, but he also went door-to-door to speak with families about enrolling their children into the new school. Ky's role as founder is unique, and his position as principal is also non-traditional in that he is responsible for both the management of the school as well as teaching classes daily. "As the leader of a school it is important to be an instructional leader. Just as students look to us teachers as role models, teachers should have a principal who models the high expectations of the school on a consistent basis."
Path from Georgetown
After graduating with his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Ky went on to the Liberal Arts program here at Georgetown. "I was basically a research assistant focusing on the academic achievement gap between rich and poor students. It led me to the conclusion that teacher expectations and quality were far too low." This experience introduced Ky to an issue that grew to become his passion; however he was not sure in what way he could contribute. "I had no real previous inclination to teach, but close friends kept suggesting I apply for Teach for America." After much cajoling, Ky did apply, was accepted, and began teaching sixth grade at Bruce-Monroe Elementary School in D.C. In his first year of teaching, Ky was awarded the Outstanding New Teacher of the Year award for 2001-2002.
About two years later, while serving on a Teach for America panel at Georgetown, Ky met a KIPP recruiter. "I consider myself a life learner and KIPP sounded like a great learning opportunity." Ky was attracted to the high expectations set for both KIPP staff and students and the opportunity to work alongside a co-founder of KIPP - David Levin.
The training period was an intense 12 months, filled with classes and planning. During that time, Ky acted as both an assistant principal and teacher-in-residence in the Bronx. It culminated in the opening of KIPP AMP Charter school in Fall 2005.
What are the best and worst parts of being a principal?
By far the highlight is working one-on-one with the children - seeing them struggle with something, giving them the resources they need and watching as they figure it out.
The part I like least is when the administrative duties get in way. There is always a lot of paperwork.
Any words of wisdom?
Get to know people who share your interests. For me, working with programs like DC Reads and GAME and the support of advocates for education like Father Kemp, Pat Thomas (GAME) and Frank Gagliano (track coach) really inspired me. Also reach out to alumni and go visit schools. Be active!
