Job Description

Position Title : Exceptional Children's Teacher

School : Sledge Institute

Location : Henderson, NC

Reports To : Exceptional Children’s Director

Now Hiring: Exceptional Children's Director

Location: Vance County, NC (Serving the Kerr-Tar Region)

Start Date: Before the official opening, staff will participate in planning and development sessions on select evenings and weekends from March to June 2025. The full-time start date is July 1, 2025.

Application Deadline: Until all positions are filled.

An Opportunity to Build Something Bold

At Sledge Institute, we are deeply committed to building a school where all learners can thrive . We know there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to success, and our six powerful, research-based elements form the foundation of everything we do:

• Project-Based Learning
• Place-Based Education
• Global Education
• Competency-Based Learning
• Postsecondary Readiness
• All-Inclusive Wellness

Our mission is to spark the natural curiosity and unique gifts of every learner and empower them to become responsible, ethical global citizens who are prepared to understand, challenge, innovate, and lead in an ever-changing world.

Who We Are

Sledge Institute is a K-12 charter school designed to prepare students for a world that is constantly evolving. Our learning model is built on six key elements:

• Project-Based Learning – Students learn by doing, solving problems, and making connections to the world around them.
• Place-Based Education – The local community is our extended classroom, and students engage with it deeply.
• Global Education – We equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate an interconnected world.
• Competency-Based Learning – Students advance by mastering skills, not just by logging seat time.
• Postsecondary Readiness – Whether it’s college, a career, or entrepreneurship, we prepare students for lifelong success.
• All-Inclusive Wellness – A whole-child approach ensures students’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Our work is grounded in our core values:

• Excellence – We set high expectations for students and staff, continuously pushing for growth and achievement.
• Community – We cultivate meaningful relationships and work in radical collaboration with students, families, and partners.
• Heart – We lead with empathy, passion, and a deep commitment to student success.
• Opportunities – We open doors for students to explore their passions, chart their own paths, and thrive.

Your Role as an EC Teacher

The Exceptional Children’s Teacher is a founding faculty member who will provide high-quality instruction and individualized support to students with disabilities in grades K–2 and 6. The EC Teacher will lead IEP development and compliance, co-design inclusive instructional strategies with general educators, and advocate for student access to all elements of our innovative school model.

This is more than a traditional teaching role—it’s an opportunity to help shape a school from the ground up and build a truly inclusive learning environment.

What You’ll Do

• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in alignment with federal, state, and local regulations (IDEA, Article 9, NC DPI policies).
• Provide specially designed instruction (SDI) in both inclusive and pull-out settings to support access to the general curriculum.
• Collaborate with general education teachers to design inclusive, project-based learning experiences and implement accommodations/modifications.
• Manage a caseload of EC students, ensuring timely compliance with all documentation, IEP meetings, progress reports, and procedural safeguards.
• Use data-driven decision making to monitor student growth and adjust instruction/intervention.
• Partner with families as key members of the IEP team and maintain consistent, collaborative communication.
• Coordinate with related service providers and external agencies to support student needs.
• Use ECATS or similar IEP management systems for documentation and reporting.
• Stay current on best practices in special education, UDL, restorative practices, and trauma-informed teaching.
• Participate in school-wide planning, professional learning, and ongoing design of inclusive systems and supports.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Preferred Attributes

You are a passionate, proactive, and reflective special educator who:

• Is deeply committed to inclusive, equity-centered education.
• Has strong knowledge of North Carolina EC policies and compliance expectations.
• Values collaboration, student voice, and strengths-based approaches to learning.
• Brings experience (or excitement) for project-based and competency-based education.
• Communicates clearly, builds strong relationships, and solves problems with creativity and empathy.
• Confident and enthusiastic about working in a start-up environment, embracing both the challenges and the excitement of building something new.
• Thrives in designing systems and learning experiences from the ground up.
• Sees challenges as opportunities for innovation and approaches problems with a growth mindset.
• A strategic and creative thinker with a track record of designing innovative programs or initiatives.
• Excitement about Sledge Institute’s unique educational model, including its six key elements.
• A relationship-driven approach, with an engaging personality that inspires and connects meaningfully with students, families, staff, and community partners.
• A deep commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive school culture that supports both student and staff wellness.
• An ability to navigate complex situations with empathy, integrity, and resilience.
• A passion for education in rural communities and addressing opportunity gaps for students.
• A disposition that embodies Sledge Institute’s core values: Excellence, Community, Heart, and Opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a start-up or charter school environment.
• Background in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), trauma-informed practices, or restorative justice.
• Familiarity with assistive technology, transition planning, and behavior supports.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Valid NC EC Teaching License or eligibility to obtain licensure.
• Experience writing and implementing IEPs in compliance with IDEA.
• Familiarity with ECATS or similar IEP management systems.
• Strong organization and communication skills.

Why Teach at Sledge Institute?

• Be a part of something new—help shape an innovative, student-centered school from the ground up.
• Teach with purpose—design meaningful, real-world learning experiences.
• Collaborate with an amazing team—we believe in support, creativity, and shared leadership.
• Work in a school that values YOU—your ideas, growth, and well-being matter here.
• Make a difference in rural education—help create opportunities for students in our community.

Compensation and Benefits

Sledge Institute offers a competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Join Us!

At Sledge Institute, we believe that education should be meaningful, engaging, and transformative—for both students and educators. If you’re ready to help students discover their strengths, explore their passions, and develop the skills they need for the future, we’d love to hear from you.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references to careers@sledgeinstitute.org to the attention of Dr. Chandra Sledge Mathias, CEO. Please include EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN TEACHER  in the subject line of your email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.

In compliance with federal law, Sledge Institute administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age or disability.

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