Lead Teacher

SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Curriculum Specialist, the Lead Teacher is the primary onsite support for the curriculum specialist, providing coaching and mentorship to new teacher hires and assuming responsibility of the site in the absence of the Curriculum Specialist. The lead teacher is also responsible for providing a stimulating environment for the growth, well-being and development of the children in their classroom.

PRIMARY DUTIES

Lead Teacher Responsibilities

• Mentors and supports new teachers in lesson development, classroom management, individual and small group instruction to assigned Classroom Teachers and ongoing support and development in various areas of need.
• Models and coaches teach staff on desired instructional and environmental practices in identified areas of need.
• Leads Curriculum Collaboration meetings with the support of the Curriculum Specialist and complete meeting minutes.
• With the support of the Curriculum Specialist uses teacher level access to aid and support navigating the assessment tool
• Leads training in targeted areas of need as identified.
• Provides critical site support in the absence of the Curriculum Specialist.
• Supports the Curriculum Specialist as needed with new initiatives and pilots

Classroom Teacher Responsibilities

• Classroom Environment:
  • Provides a safe and stimulating environment that meets HS standards.
  • Selects appropriate materials and equipment and arranges the room to provide an environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the developmental level and learning style of the children.
  • Provides the group with a positive routine and simple rules that are understood and accepted by children and adults.
  • Helps children to know, accept and appreciate themselves as individuals. Helps each child develop a sense of independence and acquire the ability to express, understand and control feelings. Encourages feelings of mutual respect among the children in the group.
• Curriculum:
  • Plans lessons and creates activities that successfully prepare children for kindergarten readiness.
  • Develops written weekly lesson plans utilizing Creative Curriculum as well as written individualized education plans.
  • Provides daily activities and experiences which encourage questioning, probing and problem-solving skills appropriate to developmental level and learning style of the children.
  • Provides experiences that stimulate children to explore and express their creative ability
  • Assists children in using language as a means of communicating their thoughts, feelings and understanding of others.
• Assessment and Documentation:
  • Assesses all children's level of development and documents progress throughout the year using the assessment tool system.
  • Observes children daily recording at least 2 observations per week per child by individualizing each child.
  • Formally assesses each child's development using assessment data 3 times per year. Planning for children after assessment using data from Child Summary reports.
  • Makes appropriate referrals based upon assessments, team planning sessions, CDT etc.
  • Maintains all necessary record keeping, including daily meal count, attendance.
• Parent Involvement:
  • Encourages parent involvement and coach's parents on their child's continuous education.
  • Plans, attends and supports Curriculum Specialist with educational family engagement activities in targeted educational component areas.
  • Establishes positive and productive relationships with parents and encourages them to participate in the Center's activity.
  • Plans at a minimum of 3 parent conferences per year and completes 2 home visits per year.
  • Organizes and serves as a partner with the parents and the classroom FSC for the Class Committee.
• Professional Development:
  • Strives to improve skills and knowledge based on an ongoing basis.
  • Participates in all professional development initiatives and assigned training organized by the program and the grantee office.
  • Participates in outside workshops, seminars and training programs that will facilitate ongoing professional development and leadership development.

SECONDARY DUTIES

• Serve as a member of CDT when appropriate.
• Participates in all supplemental and enrichment activities such as parent orientation, transition night, and male involvement activities, total parent meetings and more.
• Assists with and attends special events held by the Center and St. Vincent de Paul as necessary, attends meetings etc.
• Other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, or related field, required.
• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, or related field, preferred.
• 3 years' experience in an early education classroom, required.
• Knowledge of and respect for confidentiality.
• Ability to relate in a courteous, comfortable, non-judgmental manner with people from all ethnic, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds.
• Desire and ability to work as a team player.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

__X__ Primarily Indoor Work

TYPE OF WORK

___X__MEDIUM WORK: Lifting 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects up to 25 pounds.

Salary : $53,000 - $62,000