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What is a lead and assistant teacher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Jessica Espinosa Ph.D.
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a lead and assistant teacher. For example, did you know that they make an average of $14.63 an hour? That's $30,424 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 15% and produce 72,900 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a lead and assistant teacher?

Jessica Espinosa Ph.D.Jessica Espinosa Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor Senior, Miami Dade College

In the upcoming years, I anticipate that the proficiency in integrating Artificial Intelligence and technology in early childhood education will become essential. Educators must master the use of AI and emerging digital tools to enrich the learning experience. Additionally, the ability to apply data-driven approaches in instruction and assessment will be increasingly vital, allowing educators to make well-informed decisions that foster student development. I also think that a strong focus on social and emotional learning, alongside fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, will be indispensable in effectively meeting the varied needs of all learners.
ScoreLead And Assistant TeacherUS Average
Salary
2.4

Avg. Salary $30,424

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.7

Growth rate 15%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.90%

Asian 5.69%

Black or African American 8.86%

Hispanic or Latino 16.12%

Unknown 4.55%

White 63.89%

Gender

female 89.34%

male 10.66%

Age - 39
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39
Stress level
7.7

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.0

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
10.0

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Lead and assistant teacher career paths

Key steps to become a lead and assistant teacher

  1. Explore lead and assistant teacher education requirements

    Most common lead and assistant teacher degrees

    Bachelor's

    45.3 %

    Associate

    26.1 %

    High School Diploma

    16.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific lead and assistant teacher skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Childhood18.11%
    Classroom Management16.96%
    Child Care12.28%
    Child Development11.12%
    Emotional Development10.78%
  3. Complete relevant lead and assistant teacher training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New lead and assistant teachers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a lead and assistant teacher based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real lead and assistant teacher resumes.
  4. Research lead and assistant teacher duties and responsibilities

    • Assist in creating IEP goals.
    • Develop lesson plans, assessments, and matrices for the children in the pre-k setting.
    • Train new staff in ABA principles, implementation of individualize student behavior plans and IEP execution
    • Help implement Montessori curriculum and programs.
  5. Get lead and assistant teacher experience

    Generally, it takes 1-2 years to become a lead and assistant teacher. The most common roles before becoming a lead and assistant teacher include toddler assistant teacher, cashier team lead and sales associate.
  6. Prepare your lead and assistant teacher resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your lead and assistant teacher resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a lead and assistant teacher resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable lead and assistant teacher resume templates

    Build a professional lead and assistant teacher resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your lead and assistant teacher resume.
    Lead And Assistant Teacher Resume
    Lead And Assistant Teacher Resume
    Lead And Assistant Teacher Resume
    Lead And Assistant Teacher Resume
    Lead And Assistant Teacher Resume
    Lead And Assistant Teacher Resume
    Lead And Assistant Teacher Resume
    Lead And Assistant Teacher Resume
    Lead And Assistant Teacher Resume
  7. Apply for lead and assistant teacher jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a lead and assistant teacher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first lead and assistant teacher job

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Average lead and assistant teacher salary

The average lead and assistant teacher salary in the United States is $30,424 per year or $15 per hour. Lead and assistant teacher salaries range between $23,000 and $38,000 per year.

Average lead and assistant teacher salary
$30,424 Yearly
$14.63 hourly

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How do lead and assistant teachers rate their job?

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Lead and assistant teacher reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2022
Pros

Seeing the kids learn, grow, over come challenges.

Cons

It can be emotionally and physically draining, especially if not appreciated.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2022
Pros

Gaining the childs trust and watching them geow and learn.

Cons

That in a year the children you fall in love with move on to the next grade.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2021
Pros

I like working with my students, their parents and the various specialists my students need in order to increase their physical, emotional, daily living and cognitive skills.

Cons

There are very few things I dislike about working with preschoolers with special needs, other professionals and their parents.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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