Hiring for the 2025-26 Academic Year

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

Elementary Teaching Fellows at Heartwood Community School are uncertified or recently certified educators. As a Teaching Fellow at Heartwood Community School, you will embark on an enriching, year-long journey to develop the skills, insights, and confidence essential to becoming a skilled educator. In partnership with our lead teachers, you'll gain hands-on experience in the classroom, learning the art and science of teaching while supporting students' academic and personal growth. Through guided mentorship, professional development, and reflective practice, you'll grow in your role with the goal of earning your teaching certification and transitioning into a lead teacher role by the end of the academic year. This role is designed for those who are deeply committed to our mission and are passionate about building the foundational skills needed to thrive in the teaching profession.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Model Heartwood's core values and whole-child philosophy, inspiring these qualities in students and colleagues.
• Support a collaborative, growth-minded team culture by sharing insights, celebrating colleagues' successes, and contributing to the school's goals with humility and a commitment to collective impact.
• Support a positive, inclusive classroom culture by building relationships with students, assisting with classroom routines, and contributing to a safe, supportive learning environment.
• Assist lead teachers in planning and implementing lessons, gradually taking on greater responsibility to prepare for independent teaching.
• Engage fully in mentorship and professional development, working closely with lead teachers to observe, practice, and refine teaching strategies, while applying feedback to develop skills in instruction, classroom management, and student engagement.
• Build a strong, inclusive classroom community by forming meaningful relationships with students and families, honoring each student's unique story.
• Commit to continuous professional and personal growth through reflection, feedback, and collaboration, embodying the school's dedication to lifelong learning.
• Complete all certification requirements, including passing the required Praxis exams and fulfilling any other program requirements necessary to achieve full teaching certification by the end of the fellowship.

SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS

We are unapologetically committed to recruiting the best people in our field. We seek only those educators who set the highest standards for themselves and are passionate about making a lasting impact on the lives of children.

• Deep commitment to Heartwood Community School's mission and the whole-child philosophy, choosing to contribute to a community dedicated to meaningful, lasting impact.
• True team player who celebrates the achievements of others, finds joy in shared successes, and understands that individual accomplishments are only as strong as the team's collective impact.
• Exceptional instructional and relationship building skills, driven by a belief in each student's potential and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
• Strong personal organization, planning abilities, and attention to detail, ensuring a structured and inspiring learning environment.
• Passion for lifelong learning, with a drive to master content, continuously improve, and inspire students with enthusiasm for the subject matter.
• Proven ability to inspire, motivate, and engage children, fostering curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning in every student.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree required

COMPENSATION

The salary for this role is $65,000, with eligibility for a relocation package. Heartwood Community School will cover the full cost of certification for Teaching Fellows in exchange for a three-year commitment to the organization upon completion of the fellowship.

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.