Post job

Lead teacher vs pre-k teacher

The differences between lead teachers and pre-k teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a pre-k teacher has an average salary of $40,301, which is higher than the $33,652 average annual salary of a lead teacher.

The top three skills for a lead teacher include CPR, customer service and child care. The most important skills for a pre-k teacher are kids, math, and language arts.

Lead teacher vs pre-k teacher overview

Lead TeacherPre-K Teacher
Yearly salary$33,652$40,301
Hourly rate$16.18$19.38
Growth rate5%4%
Number of jobs56,13160,464
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
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 pre-k teacher do?

Pre-K teachers play an essential role in the lives of young children ages three to five years old by developing and nurturing their interest in subjects appropriate for their age. They promote a creative learning environment and encourage social interactions among students while providing the fundamental educational foundation that will prepare them for a successful start to kindergarten. They are responsible for overseeing children during their mealtimes, reinforcing personal hygiene, and developing children's social skills. Pre-K teachers also plan curriculum and work with other school staff members.

Lead teacher vs pre-k teacher salary

Lead teachers and pre-k teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Lead TeacherPre-K Teacher
Average salary$33,652$40,301
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $50,000Between $28,000 And $57,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew York
Best paying companySuccess Preparatory AcademyFaulkner University
Best paying industry--

Differences between lead teacher and pre-k teacher education

There are a few differences between a lead teacher and a pre-k teacher in terms of educational background:

Lead TeacherPre-K Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Most common majorEarly Childhood EducationEarly Childhood Education
Most common collegeSan Diego State UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Lead teacher vs pre-k teacher demographics

Here are the differences between lead teachers' and pre-k teachers' demographics:

Lead TeacherPre-K 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, 9.7% 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 pre-k 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

Pre-k teacher example responsibilities.

  • Lead debates with advance students on topics including globalization, economics, and political history.
  • Maintain records on each child s progress and development for the purpose of planning and compliance for NAEYC standards.
  • Educate children with autism during the regular school year in a self-contain setting according to their IEP goals and objectives.
  • Assist in: developing a curriculum, maintaining lesson plans, making sure kids have an understanding, and teaching students.
  • Assist in NAEYC accreditation with individualize portfolios.
  • Develop and implement IEP's; individualize education plans.
  • Show more

Lead teacher vs pre-k teacher skills

Common lead teacher skills
  • CPR, 19%
  • Customer Service, 18%
  • Child Care, 17%
  • Child Development, 15%
  • Classroom Management, 11%
  • Pre-K, 3%
Common pre-k teacher skills
  • Kids, 27%
  • Math, 21%
  • Language Arts, 17%
  • Social Studies, 17%
  • Bilingual Education, 9%
  • Pre-Kindergarten, 2%

Browse education, training, and library jobs