THE ROLE
The Elementary Educator creates an engaging, student-centered learning environment that supports the academic, social-emotional, and character development of every student. This role plans and delivers rigorous, differentiated instruction using multiple learning modalities, assessment data, and responsive instructional practices to meet diverse student needs. The Elementary Educator builds strong relationships, establishes clear expectations, and creates a classroom culture where students feel safe, challenged, valued, and empowered to take ownership of their learning. Working collaboratively with colleagues, families, and Student Supports staff, the educator monitors student progress, adjusts instruction, and provides meaningful interventions and enrichment opportunities. The ideal candidate is reflective, collaborative, innovative, and committed to Heartwood’s whole-child approach and developing resilient problem-solvers, compassionate community members, and lifelong learners.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Rigorous & Responsive Instruction
- Plan and deliver engaging, standards-aligned lessons that promote academic growth and critical thinking.
- Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning needs, abilities, and learning styles.
- Use multiple instructional strategies, learning modalities, technology, and resources to increase student engagement.
- Provide targeted intervention and enrichment based on individual student needs.
- Maintain accurate lesson plans, student records, grades, and required instructional documentation.
- Whole-Child Development & Classroom Culture
- Establish a safe, inclusive, structured, and joyful classroom environment.
- Build positive relationships with students while maintaining clear and consistent expectations.
- Teach and reinforce self-regulation, problem-solving, collaboration, and positive decision-making skills.
- Promote student voice, leadership, independence, and ownership of learning.
- Implement schoolwide expectations, Responsive Classroom practices, and Heartwood’s core values.
- Maintain appropriate supervision and ensure student safety throughout the school day.
- Student Growth & Collaborative Practice
- Use assessment and progress-monitoring data to identify student strengths, needs, and instructional next steps.
- Collaborate with co-teachers, interventionists, Special Education staff, and other Student Supports personnel to meet individual student needs.
- Participate in MTSS, IEP, 504, data, grade-level, and other student support processes as appropriate.
- Maintain consistent, professional communication with families regarding student progress, needs, and successes.
- Participate actively in professional development, coaching, collaborative planning, and schoolwide initiatives.
- Contribute positively to the broader Heartwood community and perform additional school responsibilities as assigned.
SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS
- Strong knowledge of elementary curriculum, instructional practices, and differentiated instruction.
- Ability to create engaging, rigorous, and student-centered learning experiences.
- Skilled in using assessment data to inform instruction, intervention, and enrichment.
- Strong classroom management and relationship-building skills.
- Effective communication and collaboration with students, families, colleagues, and support staff.
- Organized, flexible, reflective, and responsive to diverse student needs.
- Demonstrates a growth mindset and commitment to Heartwood’s mission, HEART values, and whole-child approach.
EDUCATION
- Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, or a related field required.
- Valid South Carolina teaching certificate or eligibility to obtain appropriate certification preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of elementary academic standards, curriculum, assessment, and instructional practices.
- Experience working with elementary-aged students in a classroom or educational setting preferred.
- Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development, coaching, and required school-based training.
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, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including and not limited to:
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance and Disability
- Employee and Family Wellness
- Tax Favored Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA)
- Retirement Plans