Double Duty: KIPP Educator & KIPP Mom!
When I was considering entering the world of teaching, I thought a lot about the kind of school I wanted to work at. My ideal school is one where students don’t just receive an education, but they become part of a community— a community built on purpose, belonging, and the unwavering belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed. I found that at KIPP.
I first taught at KIPP NYC through a recommendation from a friend. When she told me that KIPP does a great job balancing academic rigor and allowing kids to have fun and socialize, I knew I had to see it for myself. When I walked through KIPP, that’s exactly what I felt. Watching KIPP support, challenge, and empower students to thrive was exhilarating, especially because I knew that wasn’t the case at every school.
After four incredible years at KIPP NYC, I made the decision to move to Sacramento, California. Since there isn’t a KIPP school in Sacramento, I started working at a different school. However, I immediately felt something was missing. The shared mission, the deep commitment to equity, and the unwavering belief that every student, regardless of background, deserves a fair shot at success were no longer present. What I missed the most was the culture of anti-racism that lived and breathed through KIPP’s hallways and how every staff member carried that mindset.
Those core values are what brought me back to KIPP. When I learned about opportunities in Stockton, I knew I had to jump at the chance. Even though Stockton is a 50-mile commute (one-way!), I knew I needed to return to KIPP.
When I decided to become an Assistant Principal and help launch our newest school at the time, KIPP Stockton Elementary School, I reflected on my teaching philosophy: every child deserves the highest quality education, no matter where they come from. I had committed myself to that philosophy in the classroom, and now I wanted to extend that impact. I began thinking beyond my students: How can I help train and mentor teachers? How can I foster an environment where staff and students feel a strong sense of purpose, belonging, and belief in every child’s ability to thrive? I knew I had something special to offer, and the Assistant Principal role allowed me to fulfill that mission. Even though I live far away, I give it my all—because when you truly believe in something, you go the extra mile.
I don’t just believe in the power of KIPP as an educator—I believe in it as a parent. My daughter is now a KIPP student, and I’ve seen firsthand the care and excellence she receives at our school. I chose KIPP for her because I knew what she would get: a rigorous education, a strong sense of identity, and a community that would always push her to grow. She’s surrounded by students who look like her and share similar experiences, and that is something valuable to me.
Parents entrust schools every day with their children. As an educator, I do not take that lightly. And, as a parent, I’m grateful that KIPP doesn’t either.
Chantal Mitchell is the Founding Assistant Principal at KIPP Stockton Elementary (established in 2024) and a KIPP parent.
