What does a Lead Teacher do?
A Lead Teacher uses provincial guidelines to create lesson plans for students ranging from junior kindergarten to grade 12. Lead Teachers will work with students individually or as a group to ensure they are learning at an appropriate pace. Some Lead Teachers may need to help children with special needs using sign language, braille, or remedial programs. Lead Teachers will also create report cards, discuss student progression with parents, and file reports with the school when required. A Lead Teacher must be a role model for the students they are teaching and always have the safety of the students in mind.
Lead Teacher skills and qualifications
Successful Lead Teachers will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications for the duties of this job, including:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Leadership skills to act as a mentor and role model for children
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to work individually and as part of a team
- Emotional maturity to provide emotional and behavioural support to students
- Ability to take initiative and lead by example
- Communication skills to work with individuals at all levels, including children and adults
Lead Teacher experience requirements
Lead Teachers should have prior experience teaching or as an Assistant Teacher or Substitute Teacher. Generally, five to seven years of experience is enough for a Lead Teacher position.
Lead Teacher education and training requirements
Lead Teachers are required to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, preferably in child development or a related discipline. In some cases, a master’s degree is preferred. If the Lead Teacher will be working in a specialized environment, additional certification may be required. Lead Teachers who teach French or work in a French school need to prove language proficiency through certification when it is not their native language. Additionally, Lead Teachers are typically required to be registered with a provincial or territorial association such as the Ontario College of Teachers.
Lead Teacher salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average pay for a Lead Teacher is $25.77 per hour. Rates can vary depending on experience, location, or school that is hiring.
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