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Lead Teacher Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Lead Teacher

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18.50 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Lead Teacher will create a nurturing, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive classroom that supports each child's individual needs while promoting group learning, independence, and social ...

Lead Teacher

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18.50 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Lead Teacher will create a nurturing, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive classroom that supports each child's individual needs while promoting group learning, independence, and social ...

Lead Teacher Daycare

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19 - $19.57/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead Teacher Daycare JOB SUMMARY The Lead Teacher provides for all aspects of care and education in the classroom. The Lead Teacher ensures that developmentally appropriate activities are provided ...

Lead Teacher

Fairport, NY · On-site

$20.37 - $21.16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Lead Teacher, you'll: * Create! Develop fun, interactive learning experiences while mentoring fellow Teachers. * Care! Promote the social, physical, and intellectual growth of the preschool ...

Lead Teacher

North Chili, NY · On-site

$17.94 - $18.63/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Lead Teacher, you'll: * Create! Develop fun, interactive learning experiences while mentoring fellow Teachers. * Care! Promote the social, physical, and intellectual growth of the preschool ...

Lead Teacher

Fairport, NY · On-site

$20.37 - $21.16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Lead Teacher, you'll: * Create! Develop fun, interactive learning experiences while mentoring fellow Teachers. * Care! Promote the social, physical, and intellectual growth of the preschool ...

Lead Teacher

Fairport, NY · On-site

$20.37 - $21.16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Lead Teacher, you'll: Create. Develop fun, interactive learning experiences while mentoring fellow Teachers. Care. Promote the social, physical, and intellectual growth of the preschool children ...

Lead Teacher

Penfield, NY · On-site

$17.94 - $18.63/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Lead Teacher, you'll: * Create! Develop fun, interactive learning experiences while mentoring fellow Teachers. * Care! Promote the social, physical, and intellectual growth of the preschool ...

Lead Teacher

Rochester, NY · On-site

$20.37 - $21.16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Lead Teacher, you'll: * Create! Develop fun, interactive learning experiences while mentoring fellow Teachers. * Care! Promote the social, physical, and intellectual growth of the preschool ...

Lead Teacher

Penfield, NY · On-site

$18.52 - $19.23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Lead Teacher, you'll: * Create! Develop fun, interactive learning experiences while mentoring fellow Teachers. * Care! Promote the social, physical, and intellectual growth of the preschool ...

Lead Teacher

Rochester, NY · On-site

$17.94 - $18.63/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Lead Teacher, you'll: * Create! Develop fun, interactive learning experiences while mentoring fellow Teachers. * Care! Promote the social, physical, and intellectual growth of the preschool ...

Lead Teacher

Rochester, NY · On-site

$20.37 - $21.16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Lead Teacher, you'll: * Create! Develop fun, interactive learning experiences while mentoring fellow Teachers. * Care! Promote the social, physical, and intellectual growth of the preschool ...

Lead Teacher

Fairport, NY

$20.37 - $21.16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Lead Teacher, you'll: Create. Develop fun, interactive learning experiences while mentoring fellow Teachers. Care. Promote the social, physical, and intellectual growth of the preschool children ...

Lead Teacher

Rochester, NY

$20.37 - $21.16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Lead Teacher, you'll: Create. Develop fun, interactive learning experiences while mentoring fellow Teachers. Care. Promote the social, physical, and intellectual growth of the preschool children ...

Lead Teacher Pre-K

Rochester, NY

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead Teacher Pre-K (NYS Certified) JOB SUMMARY The Lead Teacher provides for all aspects of care and education in the classroom. The Lead Teacher ensures that developmentally appropriate activities ...

Lead Teacher Pre-K

Rochester, NY · On-site

$47K - $53K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead Teacher Pre-K (NYS Certified) JOB SUMMARY The Lead Teacher provides for all aspects of care and education in the classroom. The Lead Teacher ensures that developmentally appropriate activities ...

Lead Teacher

Rochester, NY · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Assistant Teachers Works as a Team with: Head Teacher in adjoining or designated classroom(s) * Jointly develops lesson plans and classroom activities with Head Teacher * Manages classroom in ...

Lead Teacher

Rochester, NY · On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

Holds bi-annual parent-teacher conferences. Be available to conference with families at other times as needed. * Maintains confidentiality when discussing issues relating to any child. * Communicates ...

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Lead Teacher information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$9

$17

$28

How much do lead teacher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead teacher in Rochester, NY is $17.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.99 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 job categories do people searching Lead Teacher jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Teacher jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Lead Teacher jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Lead Teacher job openings:

Infographic showing various Lead Teacher job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,379 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Lead Teacher

Kharma Care LLC

Rochester, NY • On-site

$18.50 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Position Summary:

We are seeking a compassionate, experienced, and collaborative Lead Teacher to join our inclusive childcare team in the Toddler Room (ages 18 months to 3 years). Our center is committed to fostering an enriching environment where children with and without special needs learn and grow together. The Lead Teacher will create a nurturing, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive classroom that supports each child’s individual needs while promoting group learning, independence, and social-emotional development.

Key Responsibilities:

Classroom Leadership & Curriculum:

  • Plan, implement, and adapt a developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with early childhood standards and individualized needs.

  • Integrate inclusive teaching practices that support both typically developing children and those with developmental delays or disabilities.

  • Ensure a safe, clean, and engaging classroom environment that encourages exploration, play, and growth.

  • Foster a culture of empathy, respect, and acceptance among children.

Child Development & Support:

  • Observe and assess each child’s development using formal and informal methods.

  • Collaborate with therapists, interventionists, and special education staff to implement Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) or Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

  • Support toddlers in achieving milestones across cognitive, motor, language, and social-emotional domains.

Family Engagement:

  • Build strong, supportive relationships with families through regular communication, conferences, and progress updates.

  • Provide guidance to families on child development, behavior, and transitioning strategies.

  • Encourage family participation in classroom activities and center events.

Team Collaboration:

  • Supervise and mentor Assistant Teachers, Classroom Aides, and interns.

  • Work in partnership with interdisciplinary team members (e.g., therapists, special educators) to deliver coordinated care and education.

  • Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and collaborative planning.

Compliance & Safety:

  • Ensure compliance with all licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and inclusive education practices.

  • Maintain accurate records, including attendance, incident reports, and developmental observations.

  • Model and enforce behavior management techniques that promote positive guidance and conflict resolution.

Qualifications:

Education & Certification:

  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Child Development, or related field (Bachelor’s preferred).

  • NYS Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education or Special Education.

  • CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).

Experience:

  • Minimum of 2 years experience working with toddlers in a licensed childcare or early education setting.

  • Experience in inclusive or special education environments highly preferred.

  • Supervisory or mentoring experience is a plus.

Skills & Attributes:

  • Deep understanding of child development and inclusive education practices.

  • Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.

  • Ability to adapt teaching methods and materials to meet diverse needs.

  • Patience, creativity, and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion.

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Competitive salary based on education and experience

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid time off and holidays

  • Professional development opportunities

  • Supportive, mission-driven work environment

About Us:

Kharma Care LLC. is an inclusive early childhood center that values diversity, equity, and belonging. We are proud to offer a nurturing, play-based learning environment where all children—regardless of ability—are given the opportunity to thrive.

Company Description

Kharma Care LLC. is an inclusive early childhood center that values diversity, equity, and belonging. We are proud to offer a nurturing, play-based learning environment where all children—regardless of ability—are given the opportunity to thrive.