Lead Teacher

Summary:

This position supports the mission of Somerset County Public Schools by providing high-quality instruction and serving as a school-based instructional leader and mentor. The Lead Teacher promotes student achievement through effective teaching, collaboration, and professional learning that strengthens instructional practice.

This position demonstrates advanced instructional skill, fosters the growth of colleagues, and contributes to a culture of continuous improvement. The teacher in this role is a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT); or if there is no assessment comparable to NBC for the teacher’s subject area, have a master’s degree in the teacher’s subject area, in preparation for advancement to Level 4B – Distinguished Teacher under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. 

The Level 4A Lead Teacher must meet all skill and credential requirements for levels one through three on the career ladder.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Deliver exemplary classroom instruction that promotes student achievement and equitable outcomes.

• Serve as a mentor or instructional coach for colleagues and new teachers.

• Participate in and lead school-based improvement teams, professional learning communities, and curriculum committees.

• Plan and facilitate professional development aligned with school and district and state priorities.

• Use student and program data to inform instruction and guide collaborative decisions.

• Support teachers pursuing NBC through mentorship and modeling of best practices.

• Maintain professionalism, effective communication, and collaboration with all stakeholders.
  
  

Essential Classroom Functions (50% of Time)

• Meets and instructs assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated.

• Plans a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students, including using culturally responsive and trauma–informed pedagogy.

• Creates a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students.

• Prepares for classes assigned and shows written evidence of preparation upon request of immediate superior.

• Encourages students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.

• Guides the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and, in harmony with the goals, establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects, etc., and communicates these objectives to students.

• Strives to implement by instruction and action the district's philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives.

• Assesses the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provides progress reports as required.

• Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, district policy, and administrative regulation.

• Assists the administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct, and, for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure and maintains order in the classroom in a fair and just manner.

• Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.

• Attends staff meetings and serves on staff committees as required.

• Maintains a professional attitude and appearance.

• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Additional Level 4A Lead Teacher Functions

• Actively participates on school-based teams and decision-making bodies utilizing data from action research, case studies, and developing programs, curriculum, teaching techniques, and other interventions.

• Engages in school-level leadership opportunities (e.g., Chair of School Improvement Team, PBIS Team, etc.).

• Engages in opportunities to serve on school or district committees.

• Provides services as a teacher mentor to newly hired teachers.

• Serves as an instructional coach to staff within the department or building.

• Participates actively in the SCPS Induction Program for new professional staff.

• Provides mentorship and coaching for National Board candidates.

• Provides input into curriculum development and design.

• Collects and analyzes data to make instructional decisions and works with school-based administrators and teachers to implement program changes.

• Coaches teachers on formative and summative assessment techniques, data analysis, and instructional decision-making.

• Participates in the development and design of school-based and district-wide professional development.

• Supports and leads ongoing data analysis and program evaluation.
  
  

Qualifications

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

• Master’s degree in education or related field (required)

• Current Maryland teaching certification in the appropriate content area (required)

• Active National Board Certification (NBC), renewed and in good standing (required)

• Minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching experience demonstrating highly effective practice

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expertise in curriculum, assessment, and culturally responsive pedagogy.

• Skill in coaching adult learners and facilitating professional growth.

• Strong data-analysis, communication, and leadership skills

• Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration and continuous improvement..

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or instructional materials. Ability to write reports, detailed lesson plans, and procedure manuals as directed. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from students, administrators, and the public. Ability to interpret and write grant proposals is preferred.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, proportions, and basic geometric concepts. Ability to apply mathematical concepts to instructional planning and assessment data.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and handle a variety of variables in situations where limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form and to exercise sound professional judgment.

Technology Skills

Proficiency with internet, spreadsheet, presentation, and word-processing software. Demonstrates skill using instructional technology tools and data platforms. Pursues professional development opportunities to expand technology integration and instructional effectiveness.

Other Skills and Abilities

Must possess leadership qualities, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to motivate and support colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Demonstrates knowledge of effective instructional strategies, child and adolescent development, and intervention practices. Maintains engagement in professional organizations, research, and training to ensure continuous growth.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear and frequently required to stand, walk, and use hands to handle or feel materials. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a standard school environment. The noise level is usually moderate. The employee may occasionally be exposed to moving mechanical parts.

Advancement Pathway

Progression from Lead Teacher (Level 4A) to Distinguished Teacher (Level 4B) requires attainment and maintenance of National Board Certification (NBC) and demonstration of sustained instructional leadership at the school and district levels.