Elementary Special Education Teacher

WHO WE ARE

Heartwood Community School is a community-focused, tuition-free charter school serving Jasper, Beaufort, and Hampton Counties in South Carolina. We believe in educating the whole child—nurturing each student academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Honoring every child's unique journey, we bridge home and school to foster a compassionate, empowering environment where students feel seen and valued.

Our mission goes beyond academics. We guide students to become resilient problem-solvers, compassionate community builders, globally minded citizens, emotionally intelligent leaders, and lifelong learners. Embracing mistakes as part of growth, we equip students to thrive in school and life—ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

THE ROLE

Special Education (SPED) Teachers deliver differentiated instruction to students with disabilities in a self-contained or inclusion classroom setting to meet Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and drive rigorous academic, social-emotional, and life skills instruction. The SPED Teacher will plan and deliver lessons that incorporate multiple learning modalities, adapt and modify instruction, and create strategies and meaningful interventions to support students' learning. The SPED Teacher combines the ability to motivate and educate, to develop academic as well as character skills, and to make a college preparatory education relevant both now and for the future. They report to the school Dean of Student Supports.

All educators have a growth mindset and participate in rigorous professional development throughout the year, including Responsive Classroom training, whole and small group school-wide focus professional development, team analysis of performance data, and other personalized opportunities for teachers to grow.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide direct academic and social-emotional instruction in an inclusion or self-contained setting to students with exceptionalities.
• Collaborate with colleagues to plan and execute lessons in a co-taught setting.
• Complete long, short-term, and daily planning addressing the individual needs of students, focusing on accommodations and modifications to ensure student growth.
• Support caseload management of up to 12 students; monitor growth towards IEP goals; complete progress reports and documentation; facilitate meetings in accordance with state and district IEP policy.
• Assist in building classroom community and relationships with families.
• Review data to determine next steps for instruction, IEP goals, and academic Least Restrictive Environment placement.
• Commit to professional and personal growth through reflection, feedback, and collaboration.
• Advocate for student needs and effectively communicate with teachers, parents, and administrators to facilitate the IEP process and other school and grade-level duties as assigned.
• Work with related service providers to ensure the implementation of the IEP.

SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

• A commitment to the mission of Heartwood Community School (HCS), deep love of content, and an unwavering belief that all students can and will succeed.
• Strong instructional and classroom management skills.
• High level of personal organization and planning.
• Team player.
• Ability to inspire, motivate and engage children.

EDUCATION AND BACKGROUND

• Bachelor's degree required
• Active or in-process teaching certification in Special Education
• Successful experience teaching or working in underserved communities

COMPENSATION

The salary for this role is $80,000, with eligibility for a relocation package. To uphold our commitment to equitable and fair compensation, we offer a competitive salary and have a no-negotiation policy.

We are committed to building a best in class team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Additionally, HCS offers a comprehensive benefits package including and not limited to:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Employee + Family Wellness
• Tax Favored Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA)
• Retirement Plans
• Referral and Retention Bonuses