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.