For demonstrating an unlimited supply of patience, encouragement, and just the right amount of humor to keep everyone going, Anderson University graduate Lauren Goodwin was recognized for her impact as a special education teacher by being named Teacher of the Year at GREEN Charter School in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
GREEN Charter Spartanburg celebrated Goodwin’s unwavering dedication to special education and her ability to create an environment where every student feels valued and capable of success.
“I am truly honored to receive the nomination and subsequent awarding of Teacher of the Year for GREEN Charter Spartanburg,” said Goodwin. “I have always dreamt of being a teacher and advocating for students with disabilities. Having my peers recognize my heart and passion for exceptional students is an honor.”
As a special education teacher, Goodwin works with students who need extra guidance and encouragement, including managing the school’s self-contained classroom—a role that requires extraordinary patience, skill and dedication. Her colleagues say she approaches this demanding responsibility with both compassion and professionalism, ensuring each student receives the individualized support they need to thrive.
“One of the most remarkable aspects of Lauren’s work is her role in teaching and managing our self-contained class,” said Chastiva Henderson, a sixth-grade English Language Arts teacher at GREEN Charter. “Lauren approaches this responsibility with compassion and professionalism, ensuring that her students receive the individualized support and structure they need to thrive. Her ability to balance these demanding responsibilities while still supporting other teachers is a true testament to her leadership and heart for education.”
But Goodwin’s influence extends far beyond her own classroom. She serves as a resource and an advocate throughout the school, building strong relationships with parents, families, general education teachers and support staff. Her collaborative approach ensures that students receive consistent support across all aspects of their educational experience.
“One of her greatest strengths is the strong relationships she builds with everyone involved in a student’s success,” said Jennie Lewis, a fellow special education teacher. “She fosters trusting partnerships with parents and families, maintains open and consistent communication and collaborates effectively with general education teachers and support staff. Students feel safe, valued, and understood in her classroom, which allows them to thrive academically and emotionally.”
Lewis added that Goodwin often works beyond school hours to ensure her students receive the services, accommodations and opportunities they deserve, adding that she regularly spends several hours after work collaborating with colleagues, refining instructional plans, and completing thorough, well-organized documentation.
For Goodwin, the work is deeply personal and rooted in a fundamental belief about what every child deserves.
“Every student deserves to have a place where they feel loved, where they feel welcomed and where they feel they belong,” Goodwin said. “Every child should deserve to feel like they have a future and that the future is possible, no matter their limitations. Being able to support my students and help create a better future that is inclusive and accepting is one of the greatest joys of my life.”
Through her work, Goodwin reminds the GREEN Charter community daily that success looks different for everyone, and that every student deserves someone in their corner cheering them on. Her patience, humor and problem-solving skills have made her an invaluable member of the school family.
“Your impact reaches far beyond the classroom and we are lucky to have you as part of our school family,” the school community shared in recognizing her achievement.
Lewis summed up what sets Goodwin apart from other educators: “Beyond her technical skill and work ethic, what truly sets her apart is her heart. She approaches her work with empathy, patience, and a deep belief in the potential of every child she serves. Her dedication inspires those around her and makes a lasting impact on the students, families, and colleagues fortunate enough to work with her.”
As Goodwin continues her work at GREEN Charter School, she carries forward the mission she developed during her time at Anderson University College of Education—ensuring that every student, regardless of their challenges, has access to an education that honors their potential and prepares them for a bright future.
Her recognition as Teacher of the Year stands as a testament to Anderson University’s pillar of Great Academics, as well as to her professional excellence and to the transformative power of educators who truly believe in the limitless potential of every child they serve.