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.
Lead teacher responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real lead teacher resumes:
- 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.
- Develop and implement Pre-K curriculum in general subject areas.
- Develop language arts programs creating an environment of literacy.
- Devise and implement daily instructional lesson plans for pre-kindergarten children.
- Plan, organize and effectively carry out Pre-Kindergarten lessons and activities.
- Review and differentiate grade level curriculum to meet student ability level and IEP accommodations.
- Guide children through activities that are socially and emotionally appropriate in a Montessori setting.
- Create monthly educational units allowing students to explore unique sensory & language acquisition learning experiences.
- Plan and implement lesson tailor to early childhood education including reading, mathematics, and sensory/motor development.
- Conduct special staff meetings devote to the improvement of mathematics instruction and evaluation of the mathematics program.
Lead teacher skills and personality traits
We calculated that 19% of Lead Teachers are proficient in CPR, Customer Service, and Child Care. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Patience, and Creativity.
We break down the percentage of Lead Teachers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- CPR, 19%
Participate in an individualized continuing education plan including CPR and First Aid.
- Customer Service, 18%
Enhanced customer service standards that improved parent/teacher relationships, communication, and provided the necessary resources to support children's development.
- Child Care, 17%
Completed timely and accurate documentation according to North Carolina Division of Child Care and other licensing or regulation requirements.
- Child Development, 15%
Maintained and monitored all child development center classroom and children records in compliance with regulatory state licensing and company policy requirements.
- Classroom Management, 11%
Utilized classroom management skills and incorporated individualized programming for students on the Autism spectrum, with behavioral diagnosis and non-verbal students.
- Pre-K, 3%
Maintained a fun and interactive atmosphere * Georgia Pre-K Curriculum * Provided a loving and nurturing environment
Common skills that a lead teacher uses to do their job include "cpr," "customer service," and "child care." You can find details on the most important lead teacher responsibilities below.
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a lead teacher to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "teachers must share ideas with their students, other teachers, and school administrators and staff." Lead teachers often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "worked with pre-school and pre-k students with academic task, gross and motor skills, communication and social development"
Patience. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling lead teacher duties is patience. The role rewards competence in this skill because "high school teachers must stay calm in difficult situations, such as when students struggle with material." According to a lead teacher resume, here's how lead teachers can utilize patience in their job responsibilities: "demonstrated patience and understanding while managing difficult behaviors to maintain conducive learning environment in the classroom. "
The three companies that hire the most lead teachers are:
- Learning Care Group362 lead teachers jobs
- North Country School315 lead teachers jobs
- The Learning Experience141 lead teachers jobs
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Compare different lead teachers
Lead teacher vs. Infant and toddler teacher
An infant and toddler teacher is an individual who aids in the cognitive and social development of preschool children by teaching them the most basic skills that focus on play-centered learning and creativity. Infant and toddler teachers must help children develop positive self-images and encourage them to explore their interests and develop social skills. They must plan and carry out a curriculum that teaches children basic skills such as color, shape, and letter recognition. Infant and toddler teachers must also meet the children's parents to discuss concerns.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, lead teacher responsibilities require skills like "customer service," "pre-k," "parent-teacher conferences," and "mathematics." Meanwhile a typical infant and toddler teacher has skills in areas such as "fine arts," "diaper changes," "first aid training," and "quality care." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
On average, infant and toddler teachers reach similar levels of education than lead teachers. Infant and toddler teachers are 4.4% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Lead teacher vs. Teacher associate
A teacher associate is responsible for assisting the teacher in classroom operations and providing teaching support for the students. Teacher associates develop learning materials according to the instructions of the headteachers, helping them to track students' progress and observing class behaviors. They also take class responsibility if the teacher is away, ensuring to keep activity records and attendance for reference. A teacher associate must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in handling students' difficulties and working with the teacher to develop techniques to address those challenges.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that lead teacher responsibilities requires skills like "customer service," "professional development," "open communication," and "parent-teacher conferences." But a teacher associate might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "cleanliness," "math," "language arts," and "behavior management."
In general, teacher associates achieve similar levels of education than lead teachers. They're 1.0% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for lead teachers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Diana Jones
Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University
Lead teacher vs. Summer school teacher
A Summer School Teacher is a teacher who works during the summer period. They develop and implement schemes of work and lesson plans in line with curriculum objectives. Generally, they have the same duties as a school teacher.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, lead teachers are more likely to have skills like "customer service," "child care," "child development," and "open communication." But a summer school teacher is more likely to have skills like "math," "kids," "student learning," and "english language."
Summer school teachers typically earn higher educational levels compared to lead teachers. Specifically, they're 8.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Lead teacher vs. Early childhood teacher
An early childhood teacher specializes in handling and teaching young learners as they prepare for their formal schooling stage. Their responsibilities revolve around addressing and meeting the needs of students, organizing recreational activities for learning processes, and devising strategies to help the learners with their interpersonal and emotional growth. Furthermore, as an early childhood teacher, it is essential to monitor the children's progress and provide updates to their parents, all while maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment for everyone.
Types of lead teacher
Updated January 8, 2025
