Lead Teacher

Position Summary

The Lead Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children. As the primary teacher in the classroom, the Lead Teacher provides leadership, maintains strong communication with families and coworkers, and ensures that classroom practices reflect The Goddard School’s high standards for early childhood education.

The Lead Teacher is expected to be a positive role model for children and staff while creating a classroom community where every child feels safe, supported, respected, and excited to learn.

Essential Responsibilities

Classroom Leadership & Management

• Take primary responsibility for the overall operation, organization, and atmosphere of the classroom.
• Maintain a warm, welcoming, organized, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
• Establish and consistently follow classroom routines and expectations.
• Maintain active supervision of children at all times, including during classroom activities, meals, rest periods, transitions, playground time, and other school activities.
• Ensure accurate child counts and follow all school procedures regarding supervision and classroom safety.
• Use positive guidance and age-appropriate behavior-management strategies.
• Encourage independence, problem-solving, social-emotional development, and positive peer relationships.
• Work collaboratively with Assistant Teachers and support staff while providing clear direction regarding classroom responsibilities.
• Model professionalism, teamwork, patience, and respectful communication.

Curriculum & Learning

• Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences based on the school’s approved curriculum and educational philosophy.
• Prepare lessons and activities that support children’s cognitive, language, physical, social-emotional, and creative development.
• Create meaningful learning experiences based on children’s interests, abilities, and developmental needs.
• Maintain classroom learning centers and rotate materials to encourage exploration and engagement.
• Observe children regularly and document their learning, development, interests, and progress.
• Complete required assessments, observations, lesson plans, and other curriculum documentation accurately and on time.
• Adapt activities when necessary to support individual learning styles, abilities, and developmental needs.

Health, Safety & Licensing

• Maintain a safe and sanitary classroom environment in accordance with school policies and applicable licensing requirements.
• Follow proper procedures for handwashing, diapering/toileting, food service, cleaning, sanitizing, and illness prevention.
• Conduct regular safety checks of classroom materials, equipment, and learning spaces.
• Immediately report injuries, accidents, safety concerns, or unusual incidents to administration.
• Complete incident and accident documentation accurately and promptly.
• Follow all procedures related to allergies, medical needs, emergency preparedness, and authorized pick-up.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.

Family Communication

• Build positive, professional relationships with families.
• Greet families warmly and communicate important information about their child’s day.
• Provide accurate and meaningful daily updates regarding meals, toileting/diapering, rest, activities, and other required information.
• Communicate children’s accomplishments, developmental progress, and classroom experiences with families.
• Address routine parent questions professionally and involve administration when a concern requires additional support.
• Participate in conferences, classroom events, family engagement activities, and school-wide events as required.

Team Leadership

• Serve as the classroom leader and help establish a positive, collaborative classroom culture.
• Communicate responsibilities and expectations clearly to Assistant Teachers and classroom support staff.
• Delegate classroom responsibilities appropriately while remaining accountable for the overall functioning of the classroom.
• Help train and support new staff assigned to the classroom.
• Provide constructive guidance and model appropriate teaching, supervision, and communication practices.
• Communicate staffing, classroom, behavioral, or safety concerns to administration promptly.
• Maintain professional and respectful relationships with coworkers and contribute positively to the overall school environment.

Professional Responsibilities

• Arrive on time and be prepared to begin work at the scheduled start of the shift.
• Maintain reliable attendance and follow established procedures regarding absences and schedule changes.
• Attend required staff meetings, professional development, training, and school events.
• Maintain required certifications and training.
• Follow school policies, licensing regulations, health and safety requirements, and professional standards.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with children, families, and coworkers.
• Accept feedback professionally and work collaboratively with administration to continually improve classroom practices.
• Assist with maintaining appropriate classroom supplies and notify administration when materials are needed.
• Perform additional duties reasonably related to the operation of the classroom or school as assigned by administration.

Qualifications

Candidates should meet all applicable state licensing and The Goddard School requirements for a Lead Teacher position.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience working in a licensed early childhood education or childcare setting.
• Coursework, credentials, or a degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field.
• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Strong classroom-management and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate professionally and compassionately with children, families, coworkers, and administration.
• Ability to lead and collaborate effectively with other classroom staff.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain required certification.
• Ability to complete all required background checks, health requirements, and mandated training.

Physical Requirements

The Lead Teacher must be able to perform the physical responsibilities associated with caring for young children, including sitting on the floor, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, and assisting children throughout the day. The employee must be able to lift and carry children or classroom materials as required for the assigned age group and respond quickly in an emergency.

Expectations of a Lead Teacher

A Lead Teacher is more than the primary teacher assigned to a classroom. Lead Teachers are expected to demonstrate leadership, accountability, consistency, and professionalism.

A successful Lead Teacher:

• Creates a classroom where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn.
• Takes ownership of the organization and daily functioning of the classroom.
• Communicates effectively with families and coworkers.
• Supports and guides Assistant Teachers rather than leaving classroom leadership solely to administration.
• Addresses concerns promptly and appropriately.
• Maintains high standards for supervision, cleanliness, curriculum, and documentation.
• Demonstrates flexibility and contributes to the success of the entire school.
• Represents The Goddard School professionally through interactions with children, families, coworkers, and the community.

Employment Statement: This job description is intended to describe the general responsibilities and expectations of the Lead Teacher position. Responsibilities may be modified based on classroom needs, enrollment, licensing requirements, and the operational needs of the school.

Pay: $16.50 - $18.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person