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Teacher associate vs lead teacher

The differences between teacher associates and lead teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a teacher associate has an average salary of $34,007, which is higher than the $33,652 average annual salary of a lead teacher.

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

Teacher associate vs lead teacher overview

Teacher AssociateLead Teacher
Yearly salary$34,007$33,652
Hourly rate$16.35$16.18
Growth rate4%5%
Number of jobs68,42756,131
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age4443
Years of experience-2

What does a teacher associate do?

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.

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.

Teacher associate vs lead teacher salary

Teacher associates and lead teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Teacher AssociateLead Teacher
Average salary$34,007$33,652
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $50,000Between $22,000 And $50,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaCalifornia
Best paying companyEthical Culture Fieldston SchoolSuccess Preparatory Academy
Best paying industryHealth Care-

Differences between teacher associate and lead teacher education

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

Teacher AssociateLead Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 57%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common majorEarly Childhood EducationEarly Childhood Education
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversitySan Diego State University

Teacher associate vs lead teacher demographics

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

Teacher AssociateLead Teacher
Average age4443
Gender ratioMale, 17.0% Female, 83.0%Male, 10.2% Female, 89.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.0% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 20.9% Asian, 7.8% White, 56.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%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 Percentage6%12%

Differences between teacher associate and lead teacher duties and responsibilities

Teacher associate example responsibilities.

  • Lead debates with advance students on topics including globalization, economics, and political history.
  • Maintain first aid and CPR status as required by licensing.
  • Work as a substitute teacher in grades Pre-K to 4th grade
  • Produce and maintain mathematics club website, in addition to attending meetings.
  • Develop and implement lesson plans in accordance with the ISBE guidelines and SpecialEducation IEP's.
  • Instruct through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations in one and more subjects such as English, mathematics and science.
  • 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

Teacher associate vs lead teacher skills

Common teacher associate skills
  • Child Care, 28%
  • Classroom Management, 14%
  • CPR, 13%
  • Child Development, 13%
  • Cleanliness, 5%
  • IEP, 4%
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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