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Lead teacher vs floater teacher

The differences between lead teachers and floater teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a lead teacher has an average salary of $33,652, which is higher than the $28,813 average annual salary of a floater teacher.

The top three skills for a lead teacher include CPR, customer service and child care. The most important skills for a floater teacher are CPR, childhood, and classroom management.

Lead teacher vs floater teacher overview

Lead TeacherFloater Teacher
Yearly salary$33,652$28,813
Hourly rate$16.18$13.85
Growth rate5%4%
Number of jobs56,13178,131
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Average age4342
Years of experience2-

What does a lead teacher do?

The Lead Teacher works with parents to resolve student issues and train new teachers on effective teaching techniques. A Lead Teacher is a licensed teacher with extensive teaching experience and preferably has a master's in education or related studies. They are an integral part of a school's faculty and the principal's arm in drafting policies for implementation.

What does a floater teacher do?

A floating teacher is in charge of teaching in various rooms and buildings, unlike most teachers with fixed room assignments. There are also instances where they teach at different schools. However, just like most teachers, their responsibilities still revolve around preparing lesson plans and coursework assessments, grading the students' papers, facilitating discussions, and monitoring the students' progress, assisting them when necessary. Furthermore, as a floating teacher, it is essential to maintain a safe and effective learning environment for students.

Lead teacher vs floater teacher salary

Lead teachers and floater teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Lead TeacherFloater Teacher
Average salary$33,652$28,813
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $50,000Between $21,000 And $39,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAChili, NY
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew York
Best paying companySuccess Preparatory AcademyUniversity of California, Berkeley
Best paying industry-Finance

Differences between lead teacher and floater teacher education

There are a few differences between a lead teacher and a floater teacher in terms of educational background:

Lead TeacherFloater Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Most common majorEarly Childhood EducationEarly Childhood Education
Most common collegeSan Diego State UniversityBoston University

Lead teacher vs floater teacher demographics

Here are the differences between lead teachers' and floater teachers' demographics:

Lead TeacherFloater Teacher
Average age4342
Gender ratioMale, 10.2% Female, 89.8%Male, 8.5% Female, 91.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 3.5% White, 72.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.6% Asian, 3.7% White, 69.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage12%9%

Differences between lead teacher and floater teacher duties and responsibilities

Lead teacher example responsibilities.

  • Plan and implement theme and project-base lessons that incorporate math, literacy, science, physical development, and social/emotional skills.
  • Cultivate and foster safe and effective learning environment conducive for Pre-K students.
  • Model positive behavior management techniques through daily contact with children and early childhood staff in the classroom.
  • Develop lesson plans on a bi-weekly basis that comply with early childhood standards and relate to the weekly theme.
  • Require CPR certification and ongoing continuing education.
  • Develop programs that introduce math and literacy concepts.
  • Show more

Floater teacher example responsibilities.

  • Obtain certification in child care and CPR.
  • Teach them their abc's, and toddler basics.
  • Teach them there colors, abc, shapes and days of the week and much more.
  • Receive training in first aid and adult, child, and infant CPR.
  • Complete LAUSD referrals for students needing additional support, particularly in language development and participate in IEP meetings when applicable.
  • Prepare, plan, organize, and instruct interactive classes to engage children in bible and life lessons.

Lead teacher vs floater teacher skills

Common lead teacher skills
  • CPR, 19%
  • Customer Service, 18%
  • Child Care, 17%
  • Child Development, 15%
  • Classroom Management, 11%
  • Pre-K, 3%
Common floater teacher skills
  • CPR, 26%
  • Childhood, 19%
  • Classroom Management, 18%
  • Child Care, 18%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Learning Environment, 3%

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