1

Lead Teacher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Teacher

Atlanta, GA

$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 ...

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

Cold Spring, KY · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

The Lead Teacher is responsible for implementing an early childhood education program for a group of students (ages 1-5 years old) that meet the standards of Magnolia Kids Academy. The Lead Teacher ...

Lead Teacher

Holland, OH

$13 - $17.25/hr

Lead Teacher Position - HollandHolland, OH We are looking for a high energy dedicated teacher. This is an opportunity to enhance the student and teacher experience at Sylvan Learning Center. The Lead ...

Lead Teacher

Holland, OH · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Lead Teacher Position - Holland Holland, OH We are looking for a high energy dedicated teacher. This is an opportunity to enhance the student and teacher experience at Sylvan Learning Center. The ...

Lead Teacher

Holland, OH

$13 - $17.25/hr

Lead Teacher Position - HollandHolland, OH We are looking for a high energy dedicated teacher. This is an opportunity to enhance the student and teacher experience at Sylvan Learning Center. The Lead ...

Lead Teacher

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$20/hr

Lead Teacher Primary (K-6) Job Type: Full-Time Schedule: Monday-Friday Location: Space Coast Discovery Overview We are seeking an experienced and passionate Lead Teacher (K-6) to lead a classroom and ...

Lead Teacher

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

The Lead Teacher represents leadership in their classroom, and overall community; Mentoring colleagues and providing and a high level of care and empowerment in a mixed-age Montessori classroom. This ...

Lead Teacher

Manhattan Beach, CA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Please apply directly through our link: -at-piper/ Looking for a Lead teacher for a progressive preschool in the Manhattan Beach area. We are only interested in candidates who have a passion for the ...

Lead Teacher

Dayton, OH · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Lead Teacher The right candidate for this position will be responsible for the implementation of coordinated educational, physical, and social activities of a group of children assigned to a ...

Lead Teacher

Fairfax, VA

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

The Lead Teacher will be responsible for planning and implementing center-directed program instruction. In addition, the Lead Teacher will assume the following center responsibilities:

Lead Teacher

Bronx, NY · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Lead Teacher Job Summary: Beanstalk Academy, a leading full-service child care and early education provider with 10+ locations in the Bronx and Brooklyn, is seeking a highly dedicated and experienced ...

Lead Teacher

Columbus, OH · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

The Lead Teacher is responsible for monitoring and providing support to the instructional area, ensuring that teachers are practicing good instructional management. When Directors are unavailable or ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Teacher information

See salary details

$9

$17

$28

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.

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


The Goddard School rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 357 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 24 rated private schools and tutoring


Job description

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 together with an Assistant Teacher and in conjunction with the entire faculty.

Benefits

Teachers are eligible for various employee benefits after completion of a certain number of successful days on the job, including, but not limited to, health, dental and vision insurance--for which a portion the premiums are employer paid, employer paid life insurance, and, in addition, paid vacation and holidays, accrued personal time off, 401K with company match for those who chose to participate, and the opportunity to participate in programs like Aflac and LegalShield.

Lead Teacher Responsibilities

A Lead Teacher’s responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Establish and maintain a safe, healthy and nurturing learning environment

Advance children’s physical and intellectual competence

Support each child’s social and emotional development and provide positive guidance

Establish positive and effective family relations

Ensure an effective program, responsive to children’s needs

Maintain professional commitment

General Qualifications

A Lead Teacher must meet the qualifications of his/her state and those set forth in the National Standards for hiring (see www.bls.gov).

Educational Qualifications

All candidates, who wish to be considered for the position of Lead Teacher must meet one or more of the following criteria, in addition to any/all requirements that may be mandated by their state and/or local licensing authorities: 

  • A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development.
  • A Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field, including 18 semester hours of completed coursework related to young children birth to age 8.
  • An Associate’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development or a related field.
  • An Associate’s degree or higher in a related field, including 18 semester hours of completed coursework related to young children birth to age 8.
  • A current CDA or Early Childhood Teaching Credential.
  • Proof of current and active enrollment in a CDA Credentialing Program.
  • Proof of current and active enrollment in an accredited Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree program in Early Childhood Education or a related field.

RN or LPN with emphasis on the young child including at least one class in Child Development or Human Growth Development (For Infant, Toddler, Get Set only).

FOREIGN DEGREES

  • All foreign degrees MUST be converted to U.S. credits.
  • All foreign courses and/or credit hours must be converted to U.S. standards.

Related Degrees Include, But May Not Be Limited To

  • Elementary Education
  • Home Economics
  • Child Development
  • Child Life
  • Psychology or Sociology with a minor in Education
  • Special Education
  • Child Psychology

Relevant Coursework

  • Child Development
  • Human Growth and Development
  • Educational Psychology
  • Child Psychology
  • Methods: Age Birth to 8 years
  • Children’s Literature
  • Developmental Assessment of Young Children
  • Measurement and Evaluation
  • Nutrition
  • Health and Safety
  • Child Care Administration
  • Student Teaching: Kindergarten;

What The Goddard School employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Goddard School logo

About Goddard School

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As part of a larger franchise system, in operation for over 30 years, we are the premier preschool for children from six weeks to six years old. We have over 560 franchised Schools with more than 70,000 students in 38 states. The Goddard School uses the most current academically endorsed methods to ensure children have fun while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life.

Industry

Education, education programs administration, personal services and elementary and secondary schools

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

King of Prussia, PA, US