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Special education resource teacher vs lead teacher

The differences between special education resource teachers and lead teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a special education resource teacher has an average salary of $49,296, which is higher than the $33,652 average annual salary of a lead teacher.

The top three skills for a special education resource teacher include classroom management, IEP and professional development. The most important skills for a lead teacher are CPR, customer service, and child care.

Special education resource teacher vs lead teacher overview

Special Education Resource TeacherLead Teacher
Yearly salary$49,296$33,652
Hourly rate$23.70$16.18
Growth rate4%5%
Number of jobs82,49156,131
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age4343
Years of experience-2

What does a special education resource teacher do?

Special education resource teachers are teaching professionals who are responsible for handling students diagnosed with learning disabilities and behavioral issues in public and private schools. These teachers must create and monitor their individualized education plans (IEPs) goals by teaming up with specialists and educators while assessing the needs of their students. They must provide modified instruction and learning activities to help general education teachers maximize the learning activities of their students. Special education resource teachers must also conduct professional development workshops with their colleagues.

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.

Special education resource teacher vs lead teacher salary

Special education resource teachers and lead teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Special Education Resource TeacherLead Teacher
Average salary$49,296$33,652
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $65,000Between $22,000 And $50,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaCalifornia
Best paying companyIrving IsdSuccess Preparatory Academy
Best paying industryEducation-

Differences between special education resource teacher and lead teacher education

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

Special Education Resource TeacherLead Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common majorSpecial EducationEarly Childhood Education
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversitySan Diego State University

Special education resource teacher vs lead teacher demographics

Here are the differences between special education resource teachers' and lead teachers' demographics:

Special Education Resource TeacherLead Teacher
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 19.6% Female, 80.4%Male, 10.2% Female, 89.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Asian, 3.6% White, 70.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage8%12%

Differences between special education resource teacher and lead teacher duties and responsibilities

Special education resource teacher example responsibilities.

  • Lead the data team with interpreting results, including NWEA and other benchmark assessments.
  • Collaborate with regular education teachers to provide education in an inclusion setting for 5th grade mathematics and 4th grade language arts.
  • Deliver remedial instruction in mathematics and language arts
  • Develop, document and facilitate IEP meetings, collaborate with support services and relate service providers.
  • Lead teacher for Pre-K classroom, planning and implementing daily activities and curriculum to enhance child development.
  • Provide classroom support for a state-fund developmental Pre-K program.
  • Show more

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

Special education resource teacher vs lead teacher skills

Common special education resource teacher skills
  • Classroom Management, 14%
  • IEP, 10%
  • Professional Development, 8%
  • Instructional Strategies, 6%
  • Math, 6%
  • Autism, 5%
Common lead teacher skills
  • CPR, 19%
  • Customer Service, 18%
  • Child Care, 17%
  • Child Development, 15%
  • Classroom Management, 11%
  • Pre-K, 3%

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