Lead Teacher Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Lead Teacher, or Head Teacher, is a teacher who provides guidance and mentorship to other teachers in their grade level or subject. Their duties include writing lesson plans, managing classroom behavior and providing after-school tutoring.

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Lead Teacher duties and responsibilities

A Lead Teacher is responsible for taking the considerations of Teachers, administration and parents into account and using those preferences to craft educational structures that allow the students to learn. Lead Teachers still conduct their own classes like any other Teacher, but they also have additional responsibilities, such as:

  • Meeting with parents to discuss the goals and needs of students in their program
  • Coordinating with administration to create education plans for the students
  • Sitting in on the classes of other Teachers in an observational role
  • Using information from observations to help other teachers grow by noting ineffective areas and sharing alternative methods that are more successful
  • Assisting Teachers in the creation of lesson plans or in solving problems the Teacher is struggling to find a solution for
  • Tracking the academic performance of students for signs of progress
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Lead Teacher Job Description Examples

 

Example 1

Looking for a caring, nurturing, loving After School Teacher.

Our Summer program runs weekdays from 7a-6p, while our After-School program runs weekdays from 1p-6p. Teachers work either full-day or half-day shifts, depending on their availability.

We have an exceptional team in a beautiful setting that supports children 2 to 5 years of age at our preschool and K-8th grade students at our After School program! Join our team and be a part of one of the best Christian schools in Glendora.

The ideal candidate will have completed a total of 12 ECE units and have two years of classroom experience. Candidates must be proficient in speaking, reading, and writing English. Must comply with all State Licensing Forms, Company Forms, CPR, Fingerprints, Medical Tests, etc. prior to start date.

Compensation and hours will be discussed at the interview and vary depending on experience, availability, and qualifications.

Real Life Church of LA provided the following inclusive hiring information:

We are an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.
  • Fully or partially paid childcare
  • Paid time off

    Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

    Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • 4 hour shift
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Glendora, CA 91741: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    Education:
  • High school or equivalent (Required)

    License/Certification:
  • CPR Certification (Preferred)
  • Driver's License (Preferred)
  • 12 or more ECE Units Location: One location
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    Example 2

    **** $1000 Signing Bonus****

    Must have previous lead VPK experience and valid references.

    Qualifications:
  • Ability to relate positively with children in a childcare environment.
  • Must have at least 3 years minimum of lead VPK teaching experience with a quality preschool, or daycare center. (Employment history will be verified.)
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. in connection with the handling of children for the facilitation of programs, child safety, and potential emergency situations.
  • Must have Staff Credential and/or Child Development Associate (CDA).

    VPK Teacher Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for the overall supervision and daily class functions of a pre-kindergarten class in a daycare environment.
  • Assesses each child’s developmental needs on an ongoing basis.
  • Maintain daily open communication with parents including facilitating required parent-teacher conferences and student evaluations.
  • Submit lesson plans to the Director and implement the approved plans and daily classroom schedule using Crest Peak Learning Center's curriculum outlines and materials.
  • Arrange classroom environment in accordance to program goals while maintaining a safe and healthy environment.
  • Assists in other capacities as determined by the Director.
  • Attend in-service and staff meetings.
  • Keep all appropriate records such as attendance and classwork.
  • Meet all applicable licensing rules and regulations.

    Upon Employment:
  • Must meet all Crest Peak Learning Center, local, state or national basic requirements.
  • Must complete yearly minimum 10 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs)/In-Service hours.
  • Must complete First Aid and CPR training.
  • Must have mandated fingerprinting and/or Level II background screening report completed.

    We are looking for teachers who are passionate about educating and caring for children. Crest Peak Learning Center is located near I-295 & Old St. Augustine Rd in the heart of Mandarin. We offer health, dental, vision, retirement plans, life insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, and professional development assistance.

    Crest Peak Learning Center is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: From $16.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday
    Supplemental Pay:
  • Signing bonus

    Experience:
  • VPK lead teaching: 2 years (Preferred)

    License/Certification:
  • Child Development Associate Certification / Staff Credential Location: One location
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    What does a Lead Teacher do?

    Lead Teachers work at pre-K, elementary, middle and high schools to teach age-appropriate knowledge and skills to groups of students and guide other teachers. Their role is to educate their class on subject-specific concepts and provide them with opportunities for social-emotional learning and development of life skills. Lead Teachers communicate with parents about their child’s progress and create action plans for addressing issues in behavior or academic performance. They develop worksheets and activities to help each student engage with educational content. Outside of the classroom, they supervise lunch, recess, field trips and passing periods.

    Lead Teacher skills and qualifications

    Because a Lead Teacher has to work with such a broad range of individuals from children to school administrators and also fills multiple roles, they must possess many skills to succeed:

    • Communication skills 
    • Strong teaching abilities
    • Leadership skills
    • Empathy
    • Decision-making skills
    • Organizational skills
    • Conflict resolution skills

    Lead Teacher salary expectations

    A Lead Teacher’s average salary is $12.78 per hour. Salaries depend on the school’s location and funding as well as the candidate’s level of education, years of experience in the classroom as well as years served in leadership roles.

    Lead Teacher education and training requirements

    In order to be considered for a Lead Teacher position, an individual will need to have completed at least their bachelor’s degree in an education field. To be hired at an accredited school, a Teacher will also be required to pass their state’s Board of Education Certification Exam. Candidates with a master’s degree can bring more advanced practice and knowledge to this role and the organization. However, exact education requirements may vary by state.

    Lead Teacher experience requirements

    Because a Lead Teacher role is an advanced position and also contains mentorship elements, it is common to require prior experience when listing a job opening. A qualified candidate will typically have several years’ experience working in the department for which they’re applying.

    Job description samples for similar positions

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    Frequently asked questions about Lead Teachers

     

    What is the difference between a Lead Teacher and a Teaching Assistant?

    A Lead Teacher is in charge of instructing a classroom of students, while the Teaching Assistant supports them with administrative tasks, individualized student attention and behavior management. Lead Teachers are fully certified by the state board, while Teaching Assistants are often still in the process of getting official certification. During class time, a Lead Teacher might teach a group lesson while the Teaching Assistant helps individual students with specific questions or issues they are having with the content. Lead Teachers have control over the content of the lessons and have authority over the Teaching Assistant when disciplining students.

     

    What are the qualities of a good Lead Teacher?

    Excellent Lead Teachers are passionate about teaching their subject and care about the success of their students. They are personally invested in helping their students learn and grow, and treat all students fairly and equitably. They are compassionate and understanding and are able to mediate when conflicts occur between students. Good Lead Teachers are knowledgeable about the developmental stages of their students and able to adapt their teaching style to suit the individual learning needs of their pupils. They work as a team with parents and other teachers to ensure students are getting their needs met at school.

     

    What are the daily duties of a Lead Teacher?

    Lead Teachers arrive at school early to prepare lesson plans, assist with student drop-off or supervise students in the cafeteria eating breakfast before class. They set up the desks in their classroom to best suit that day’s activities, then welcome students and help them get settled at their desk. They pass out any worksheets or other materials, teach group activities and help redirect off-task behavior. During passing periods, Lead Teachers help monitor behavior in the hallways or prepare the lesson for the next class. They meet with new Teachers to help them acclimate and develop their skills.

     

    Who does a Lead Teacher report to?

    Lead Teachers generally report to the school’s Principal. They may also meet with school district administrators such as the Superintendent to discuss the challenges their fellow teachers and students face and seek out additional support or training.

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