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Lead Teacher Jobs in Rutherford, NJ (NOW HIRING)

3K Lead Teacher

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Brooklyn preschool looking for a 3K lead Teacher. NYS Teacher certification in Early Childhood Education Birth- 2nd grade is preferred. Can be on study plan: Bachelor's or Master's in Early Childhood ...

Lead Teacher

New York, NY · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

The Lead Teacher is responsible for implementing the AEA curriculum and engaging in developmentally appropriate activities in a nurturing classroom environment. The teacher will inspire young minds ...

Lead Teacher

New York, NY · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

The Lead Teacher is responsible for implementing the AEA curriculum and engaging in developmentally appropriate activities in a nurturing classroom environment. The teacher will inspire young minds ...

Lead Teacher

Bronx, NY · On-site

$42K - $77K/yr

Lead Teachers will focus on making sure that all the children and families will be ready to be successful in kindergarten and in life, while ensuring that all Head Start Performance Standards and ...

Lead Teacher

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$42K - $77K/yr

Lead Teachers will focus on making sure that all the children and families will be ready to be successful in kindergarten and in life, while ensuring that all Head Start Performance Standards and ...

Lead Teacher

New York, NY · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

We are seeking an experienced Group Teacher with an Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification to take the lead in one of our classrooms. This role is ideal for a confident educator who can create ...

Fill teacher training programs. * Lead 60-hour and 200-hour teacher trainings. * Work Saturdays and Sundays, plus one weekday evening. * Lead Mentorship lectures. * Collaborate with managers to ...

Lead Teacher

Saddle Brook, NJ

$15.75 - $21/hr

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

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$42K - $77K/yr

Lead Teachers will focus on making sure that all the children and families will be ready to be successful in kindergarten and in life, while ensuring that all Head Start Performance Standards and ...

AS Lead Teacher

Englewood, NJ · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

AFTER SCHOOL LEAD TEACHER REPORTS TO: AFTER SCHOOL SITE DIRECTOR LOCATION: Englewood, NJ DEPARTMENT: AS Grieco (180.1), AS Quarles (180.3), AS McCloud (180.5) FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt SUMMARY OF ...

New

Lead Teacher

Wayne, NJ · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Lead Teacher, you'll set the academic foundation for lifelong learning while inspiring joy, curiosity, and confidence in young minds. Compensation: 17.00-20.00 Core Attributes: * Educational ...

AS Lead Teacher

Englewood, NJ · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

AFTER SCHOOL LEAD TEACHER REPORTS TO: AFTER SCHOOL SITE DIRECTOR LOCATION: Englewood, NJ DEPARTMENT: AS Grieco (180.1), AS Quarles (180.3), AS McCloud (180.5) FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt SUMMARY OF ...

New

PRESCHOOL LEAD TEACHER

Bronx, NY · On-site

$43K - $63K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Paid time off * Parental leave Our school is looking for Lead Teachers with a bachelors or masters degree for 3K/4K to develop and implement curriculum for students. The ideal candidate for a LEAD ...

Lead Teacher

NJ · On-site

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

Lead Teachers at The Learning Experience are ambassadors of happiness, creating opportunities every day that reflect our mission to make a difference in the lives of children, their families, and ...

First Grade Lead Teacher

Queens, NY · On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

Grade 1 Lead Teacher * Grade 5 Lead Teacher * 4 day work week!!! Monday-Thursday * Competitive Salary * Warm, positive, Torah-based environment * Comprehensive Teacher Coaching and Professional ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Teacher information

See Rutherford, NJ salary details

$10

$18

$29

How much do lead teacher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead teacher in Rutherford, NJ is $18.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $19.62 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 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.

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.

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 near Rutherford, NJ are hiring for Lead Teacher jobs?

Cities near Rutherford, NJ with the most Lead Teacher job openings:

Infographic showing various Lead Teacher job openings in Rutherford, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,587 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

3K Lead Teacher

My Sunshine Kids Inc

Brooklyn, NY • On-site

$15.75 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Brooklyn preschool looking for a 3K lead Teacher. NYS Teacher certification in Early Childhood Education Birth- 2nd grade is preferred. 

Can be on study plan: Bachelor's or Master's in Early Childhood Education with pathway to getting initial/professional certification in ECE - 

Must have 1-2 years of classroom lead teacher experience.

Bilingual is a plus, but not a requirement.

10-12 months position, DOE school year calendar - minimum 180 school days.

Schedule 8am-4pm 

7:30am-5pm schedule - a plus. (Additional pay for longer schedule)


Candidate must pass a background check conducted by SCR.

Job Types: Full-time

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off