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Lead Teacher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Teacher

Rockford, IL · On-site

$20/hr

Lead Teacher : Rockford , Illinois Our customer in Rockford, Illinois is seeking motivated individuals to join their team. We're recruiting Lead Teachers to work full-time on 1st shift. As a Lead ...

Lead teacher

Strafford, NH · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Lead teacher Now Hiring: Associate & Lead Teachers (Full-Time & Part-Time) Whitehouse Early Learning Center - Strafford, NH We're looking for caring, dependable educators to join our supportive ...

The Lead Teacher must be a critical thinker, reflective, communicative, professional, and committed to inquiry-based teacher research and professional development. Lead Teaching & Learning ...

Lead Teacher

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

The Lead Teacher in our high-quality Reggio-inspired, social constructivist program plays a pivotal role in upholding the practices of Growing Place (GP) by provide a nurturing, engaging, and ...

Lead Teacher

Geneva, NY · On-site

$17.57/hr

Finger Lakes Health seeks Lead Teacher to join our Jim Dooley Early Learning Center! Full Time Opening - Day Shift! No weekends and No holidays! Competitive salary and benefit package! Full Time ...

Lead Teacher

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Overview A Lead Teacher at The Goddard School is responsible for establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy and nurturing learning environment. Additionally a Lead Teacher is responsible to work ...

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Lead Teacher

Nottingham, MD · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Lead Teacher Department: Early Childhood Education Reports To: Director/Center Administration Employment Status: Full-Time/Part-Time, as assigned Position Summary The Lead Teacher is responsible for ...

Lead Teacher

Wayne, NJ · On-site

$17.50 - $21/hr

Tuition assistance Lead Teacher | Early Childhood Education You know how to run a classroom. Now come make it yours At The Learning Experience , our Lead Teachers are the heart of their classrooms.

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Lead Teacher information

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$9

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How much do lead teacher jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead teacher in the United States is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead teacher?

A Lead Teacher is an experienced educator responsible for managing a classroom, developing lesson plans, and guiding other teachers or teaching assistants. They set the tone for the learning environment, ensure curriculum standards are met, and often mentor less experienced staff. Lead Teachers also communicate with parents, assess student progress, and help implement school policies. Their leadership is crucial for creating a positive and effective educational experience for students.

What does a lead teacher do?

As a lead teacher, your responsibilities focus on instructing students, usually in an early childhood education or elementary classroom, while collaborating with assistant teachers and students’ families. Your duties include working under the direction of an administrator or principal to adhere to school policies and curriculum, teaching students using a curriculum and lesson plan, directing assistant teachers, communicating with parents and families to update them on student progress, conducting assessments, and coordinating special classroom programs. Lead teacher roles often require teaching qualifications in your state, including a bachelor’s degree in education and a teaching certification for instructing your specific grade level.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead teacher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Teacher, you need strong instructional abilities, curriculum planning expertise, classroom management skills, and a relevant teaching certification or degree. Familiarity with educational technology platforms, assessment tools, and learning management systems is typically expected. Leadership, effective communication, and the ability to foster a positive learning environment are standout soft skills in this role. These capabilities are essential for guiding both students and fellow educators, ensuring academic success and a supportive classroom culture.

How does a lead teacher typically collaborate with assistant teachers and support staff to ensure a productive classroom environment?

Lead Teachers play a central role in guiding assistant teachers and support staff by setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and modeling effective teaching strategies. They often delegate classroom tasks and encourage open communication to ensure everyone understands their responsibilities. Regular team meetings and collaborative lesson planning sessions help foster a cohesive approach to student learning and classroom management. This teamwork not only supports a positive learning environment for students but also promotes the professional growth of all staff members.

What is the difference between Lead Teacher vs Assistant Teacher?

AspectLead TeacherAssistant Teacher
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in education or related field, along with state certificationOften requires a high school diploma or associate degree; some positions may need early childhood education credits
Work EnvironmentResponsible for planning lessons, managing classroom activities, and supervising studentsSupports Lead Teacher in classroom activities, assists with student supervision and preparation
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in preschools, elementary schools, and childcare centersWorks alongside Lead Teachers in similar settings, often in early childhood education

Lead Teachers typically hold more advanced credentials and have greater responsibilities in lesson planning and classroom management. Assistant Teachers support Lead Teachers and focus on assisting with daily activities. Both roles are essential in early childhood education settings, but Lead Teachers usually have more experience and qualifications.

What cities are hiring for Lead Teacher jobs?

Cities with the most Lead Teacher job openings:

What states have the most Lead Teacher jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lead Teacher jobs include:

Infographic showing various Lead Teacher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,871 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

$17 - $20/hr

Part-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description


About This Role

Position Description

The Group Lead Teacher shall plan, implement and supervise the daily activities for a group of children.

Key Roles

  • Planning and implementing specific developmentally appropriate, play based activities for school age youth who are 4-6 years old.
  • Communicate positively with members and their families.
  • Provide positive guidance and role modeling to members.
  • Supporting partnerships with community members.
  • Create a positive environment for youth development that includes but is not limited to program collaborations with other core areas, attendance at staff and core area team meetings, participation in daily assemblies, appropriate discipline when necessary and attendance at special events.
  • All other duties as assigned. 

Program Planning

  • The Group Lead Teacher will plan, organize and facilitate youth programs and activities in specific program areas focused on Art, STEM, Learning and Recreation.
  • Program Planning Worksheets should be completed thoroughly and turned in on time to the Director of Operations who will review the Program Planning Worksheets. The Program Planning Worksheets will be filed by the Director of Operations to monitor the completion of programming responsibilities of the program staff for quarterly and/or yearly review.
  • The Group Lead Teacher will review the daily and weekly plans with the Assistant Group Teacher.
  • The Group Lead Teacher will respect and meet all program deadlines set by appropriate Directors. The Group Lead Teacher will collect, review and submit all Program Planning Worksheets to the Directors for review.
  • The Group Lead Teacher will ensure that program and office supplies are on hand and create a list of supplies in advance to submit to Directors in a timely manner. 

Safe & Positive BASE Site Environment

  • The Group Lead Teacher must ensure a respectful, responsible and safe climate for all BASE staff members kids at all times. This includes programs the Assistant Group teachers are implementing as well as the surrounding visible areas and any other area within the Group Lead Teacher’s range of senses.
  • The Group Lead Teacher should ensure that all equipment is in good working condition and that it is being used in its intended manner.
  • The Group Lead Teacher must show a positive and inspirational attitude at BASE for staff, BASE kids, parents and families, and community members.
  • The Group Lead Teacher will communicate with BASE parents/guardians regarding any behaviors that threaten a safe & positive BASE site environment and introduce solutions or progressive actions. 

Program Implementation & Evaluation

  • The Group Lead Teacher is personally involved in programming and site management and demonstrates high levels of enthusiasm towards BASE staff, kids and visitors while encouraging participation. 
  • The Group Lead Teacher should constantly praise BASE staff members and kids for good efforts and provide constructive feedback to ensure they get the most out of every experience.

Member Support

  • The Group Lead Teacher provides guidance to all BASE staff members, BASE kids, and volunteers.
  • The Group Lead Teacher must be able to recognize challenging situations and have the ability to assess and diffuse the situations appropriately, assisting staff in employing effective and consistent skills. 
  • The Group Lead Teacher will assist with one-on-one sessions with BASE kids for problem solving and conflict resolution when required.  
  • The Group Lead Teacher should always be conscious to encourage positive values and ethical behaviors. The Group Lead Teacher should strive to model these values and behaviors not only while working at BASE but outside of BASE as well.

Administration

  • The Group Lead Teacher will complete all tasks assigned by the Directors.
  • The Group Lead Teacher will adhere to the BASE systems of data collection and record keeping. 
  • The Group Lead Teacher will be consistent with the safety reporting systems and guidelines. 
  • The Group Lead Teacher will adhere to the BASE Social Media Policy and all BASE Policies & Procedures. 

Qualifications

  • Must be 18 years of age. 
  • Completed high school or its equivalent, as determined by the Wisconsin department of public instruction. 
  • Have at least 240 hours of experience as an assistant child care teacher in a  group child care center, as a licensed family child care provider, or in another approved early childhood setting.
  • Two non-credit department-approved courses in early childhood education; or
  • Two courses for credit in early childhood education or its equivalent from an institution of higher education; or
  • Certificate from The Registry indicating that you qualify as a child care teacher; or
  • A one-year child care diploma from an institution of higher education; or
  • An associate degree or higher in early childhood education or child care from an institution of higher education (preferred)

DISCLAIMER:

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification.  It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.


What You'll Do

Key Roles

  • Planning and implementing specific developmentally appropriate, play based activities for school age youth who are 4-6 years old.
  • Communicate positively with members and their families.
  • Provide positive guidance and role modeling to members.
  • Supporting partnerships with community members.
  • Create a positive environment for youth development that includes but is not limited to program collaborations with other core areas, attendance at staff and core area team meetings, participation in daily assemblies, appropriate discipline when necessary and attendance at special events.
  • All other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

Qualifications

  • Must be 18 years of age. 
  • Completed high school or its equivalent, as determined by the Wisconsin department of public instruction. 
  • Have at least 240 hours of experience as an assistant child care teacher in a  group child care center, as a licensed family child care provider, or in another approved early childhood setting.
  • Two non-credit department-approved courses in early childhood education; or
  • Two courses for credit in early childhood education or its equivalent from an institution of higher education; or
  • Certificate from The Registry indicating that you qualify as a lead child care teacher; or
  • A one-year child care diploma from an institution of higher education; or
  • An associate degree or higher in early childhood education or child care from an institution of higher education (preferred)

Nice To Haves

Fun, positive attitude and the ability to work well with others.

Experience working in an after school or summer camp setting.