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Lead teacher vs teacher

The differences between lead teachers and teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a teacher has an average salary of $47,989, 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 teacher are ESL, handle scheduling, and kids.

Lead teacher vs teacher overview

Lead TeacherTeacher
Yearly salary$33,652$47,989
Hourly rate$16.18$23.07
Growth rate5%4%
Number of jobs56,13171,918
Job satisfaction-4.14
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
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 teacher do?

Being a teacher is one of the most passionate professions, among others. Teachers educate, motivate, and guide every generation of learners to prepare them for the real world. Every teacher is unique and has their own teaching styles and methods depending on the subject they teach and the age of their students. Oftentimes they also function as a parent, counselor, coach, friend, and even a lawmaker. There is essentially no limit to the roles a teacher portrays.

Lead teacher vs teacher salary

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

Lead TeacherTeacher
Average salary$33,652$47,989
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $50,000Between $32,000 And $70,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CABaltimore, MD
Highest paying stateCaliforniaMaryland
Best paying companySuccess Preparatory AcademyKing Low Heywood Thomas
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between lead teacher and teacher education

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

Lead TeacherTeacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorEarly Childhood EducationElementary Education
Most common collegeSan Diego State UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania

Lead teacher vs teacher demographics

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

Lead TeacherTeacher
Average age4342
Gender ratioMale, 10.2% Female, 89.8%Male, 25.7% Female, 74.3%
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, 10.1% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 12.9% Asian, 3.7% White, 68.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage12%9%

Differences between lead teacher and 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.
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Teacher example responsibilities.

  • Work closely with co-teacher to manage and co-teach curriculum to a large group.
  • Target at risk and high achieving students using levele readers and DRA strategies.
  • Lead debates with advance students on topics including globalization, economics, and political history.
  • Develop social studies and geography curriculum.
  • Provide kindergarten readiness in approaching phonemic awareness, phonics, and introductory math skills.
  • Attend and participate in ESL professional development activities, conferences/workshops, curriculum/program planning, & special events and activities.
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Lead teacher vs teacher skills

Common lead teacher skills
  • CPR, 19%
  • Customer Service, 18%
  • Child Care, 17%
  • Child Development, 15%
  • Classroom Management, 11%
  • Pre-K, 3%
Common teacher skills
  • ESL, 17%
  • Handle Scheduling, 15%
  • Kids, 12%
  • Classroom Management, 7%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Curriculum Development, 4%

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