Lead Teacher

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:

Lead Teachers at Pacific Oaks Children's School play a vital role in fostering a developmentally appropriate and inclusive program for young children. They guide and collaborate with their teaching team to implement an emergent curriculum that supports the growth of the whole child, embracing diverse learning styles and promoting anti-bias education.

Key responsibilities include teaching, coordinating home & school communications, building strong parent relationships, and supporting school-wide initiatives. Lead Teachers also mentor associate teachers and practicum students, demonstrating best practices and cultivating a learning environment centered on collaboration, respect, and continuous improvement.

Lead Teachers ensure the effective operation and coordination of their programs. They work closely with fellow Lead Teachers, Master Teachers, and the broader teaching team to meet the developmental needs of all children and uphold the school’s educational values.

Reports directly to the Executive Director of the Children’s School.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Lead Teachers operate under general supervision from the Executive Director of the Children’s School. They have the autonomy to make instructional and operational decisions within the framework of school policies and educational standards. While they are expected to manage their classrooms independently, they receive guidance and feedback during regular check-ins and performance evaluations.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Lead Teachers, in collaboration with Master Teachers (when present), provide supervision over the teaching team, including Associate Teachers, Assistant Teachers, and practicum students. When a Master Teacher is part of the group, they act as the direct supervisor, with Lead Teachers providing supportive supervision to enhance team leadership and curriculum implementation.

If a Master Teacher is not part of the group, the Lead Teacher assumes direct supervision, guiding the teaching team, overseeing classroom activities, and mentoring teachers. This leadership role includes developing and implementing the curriculum, ensuring classroom management, and fostering a learning environment that aligns with the school’s educational philosophy.

# of Supervised Directly                                                         # of Supervised Indirectly

__0____FTE (Full-time Equivalent)                                           __0____FTE (Full-time Equivalent)

  1– 3     FTE (Non-exempt)                                                           __0____FTE (Non-exempt):             

__0____FTE (Exempt)                                                                    __0____FTE (Exempt):                                  

1 – 3       FTE Total                                                                            __0____FTE Total

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS*:

• Commitment to Progressive Philosophy & Curriculum Development: Demonstrate a deep understanding of and commitment to the school’s progressive, experiential learning philosophy. Plan, implement, and adapt developmentally appropriate curricula that are responsive to children's needs, interests, and learning styles, fostering cognitive and social-emotional growth.

• Environment Setup & Child Safety: Create and maintain a safe, purposeful learning environment indoors and outdoors, promoting creativity, exploration, and children’s physical and emotional well-being. Prioritize health and safety at all times, ensuring compliance with school policies and procedures.
• Observations, Documentation & Communication: Continuously observe and document children’s development, providing in-depth, annual developmental summaries. Collaborate with parents, staff, and the Executive Director to support each child’s growth and maintain regular communication with families through notes, newsletters, and updates on progress and goals.
• Parent Partnerships & Engagement: Build respectful, collaborative relationships with parents, honoring cultural differences and diverse family structures. Facilitate individual parent conferences at least twice per year and group meetings three times annually. Actively participate in Parent Orientation and other school events to foster strong school-family partnerships.
• Staff Supervision & Professional Development: Supervise, mentor, and support staff in their daily responsibilities, curriculum planning, and classroom management. Lead staff meetings, provide ongoing feedback, conduct performance evaluations, and encourage continued professional growth.
• Practicum Student Support: Mentor practicum students by providing guidance in curriculum planning, classroom management, and child development. Facilitate weekly meetings and collaborate with faculty to ensure a meaningful educational experience.
• General Operations & Administrative Duties: Coordinate daily staffing and monitor classroom and environmental maintenance needs. Perform other administrative duties as assigned to ensure smooth program operations and meet the needs of the school community.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Is regular attendance an essential function?  ☒ Yes          ☐ No

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Ethical Modeling: Model appropriate ethical behavior for children, families, and colleagues, exemplifying care, respect, and honesty.
• Professionalism: Maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
• Teaching Expertise: Skilled and experienced in preschool teaching based on active learning, play, progressive, constructivist, and/or emergent principles.
• Communication Skills: Effective written and verbal communication skills, able to convey information clearly and sensitively.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Collaboration: Communicate openly, directly, and constructively with staff and families without engaging in gossip or rumor.
• Problem-Solving: Use appropriate channels for problem-solving and communication, addressing challenges professionally.
• Physical and Emotional Stamina: Ability to engage physically and emotionally with children throughout the day, managing the demands of the classroom.
• Leadership: Ability to mentor, supervise, and support other teachers, while leading by example in providing high-quality education and fostering a positive work environment.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Required: 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field. Must be eligible to earn a graduate degree within two years. 
• Experience: A minimum of 12 months of experience working with young children in an early childhood education setting.

Preferred:  

• Experience: Two years of experience working with young children in an early childhood education setting is preferred.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• The Lead Teacher will work in both indoor and outdoor settings, with temperatures ranging from the 60s to 90s outdoors. The role requires flexibility and adaptability to varying weather conditions and classroom dynamics.

EQUIPMENT USED:

• The role does not require specialized equipment beyond typical classroom and outdoor materials used for teaching and childcare.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL & MENTAL TASKS: (Check all that apply):

Physical Demands:

☒ Standing
☒ Lifting: Up to 50 lbs. (may need to lift children, classroom materials, or equipment)
☒ Walking (frequent walking between indoor and outdoor spaces, and throughout the classroom)
☒ Carrying (children, classroom materials, etc.)
☒ Hearing (communication with children, staff, and parents)
☒ Speaking (interaction with children, staff, and parents)
☒ Writing (documentation, observations, reports)
☒ Squatting/Kneeling (interacting with children at their level)
☒ Reaching (reaching for materials, interacting with children, setting up classroom)
☒ Climbing (use of steps or ladders for classroom organization)
☒ Pushing (pushing classroom or playground equipment)
☒ Other: Typing (use of computers for documentation or email communication)

Physical Environment - Exposed to: 

☒ Noise (Classroom and outdoor play areas are frequently busy and noisy)
☒ Heat/Cold (Outdoor exposure during various seasons, ranging from 60°F to 100°F)
☒ Fumes/Gases (may occur with cleaning supplies or materials)
☒ Human Tissue/Fluids (minimal exposure, such as during accidents or medical needs)
☒ Chemicals (cleaning products)
☒ Dirt (outdoor play or classroom materials)

Mental Demands: 

☒ Reading (to interpret curriculum, children’s needs, and family communication)

☒ Frequent Interruptions (Children’s needs, parent communication, administrative tasks)

☒ Periods of Concentrated Attention (Curriculum planning, observations, documentation)

☒ Detailed Work (Individual child reports, observations, and assessments)

☒ Frequent Contact with People (Children, parents, staff)

☒ Frequent Deadlines (Parent conferences, assessments, communication)
☒ Multiple Concurrent Tasks (Managing multiple children’s needs, curriculum planning, daily operations)

TRAVEL: (% of total time): Up to 3% of total time.  Some travel to events throughout the Pasadena area.  Travel is strictly voluntary and typically for school-related events or professional development opportunities.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Indoor Environment: The classroom environment is typically quiet to moderately busy, with children engaged in various learning activities. There may be noise during group play, music, or story time. The indoor environment is temperature-controlled and may include exposure to light, sound, and materials like art supplies, paints, and cleaning products.

Outdoor Environment: The outdoor environment involves exposure to natural elements, including temperature fluctuations (ranging from 60°F to 100°F), sunlight, and occasional rain. Teachers must monitor children's safety and ensure proper sun protection during outdoor activities. The outdoor play area may include playground equipment, natural spaces, and open play areas. Lead Teachers should be comfortable working in varied weather conditions, especially during peak outdoor times (e.g., recess, group activities).

Sensory Conditions: Teachers may experience varying levels of noise, particularly in a busy classroom or outdoor play setting. The environment can also include tactile and visual stimuli, such as engaging with children’s artwork, materials, and sensory play activities.

DECISION MAKING:

Level of Decision-Making: Minimal to moderate. The Lead Teacher is responsible for making decisions about daily classroom operations, curriculum planning, and the professional development of staff. Decisions related to child development and behavior are made in consultation with the Executive Director and families when needed.

The position is governed by the policies of Pacific Oaks, along with established procedures for the Children’s School.

CONTACT RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for demonstrating professionalism and leadership in resolving conflicts with students, parents and employees.  Recommends alternative approaches to solve problems and conflicts. 

• Internal Contacts:
  • Peers and Co-workers: Communication and dissemination of information related to classroom activities, curriculum, and student needs.
  • Executive Director and Leadership Team: For consultations on children’s development, program needs, and school-wide initiatives.
• External Contacts:
  • Parents: Regular communication regarding children’s progress, behavior, and school activities.
  • Children: Supervision, instruction, and guidance to ensure a positive, safe, and enriching learning environment.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

This position does not require the management of budgets, but it is required to follow Pacific Oaks policies for purchasing and budget approvals.

Compensation & Benefits

This opportunity is budgeted at $20.00-21.50 base compensation. Additional compensation factors may impact total compensation. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.

https://www.pacificoaks.edu/about/careers-pacific-oaks/

Pacific Oaks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pacific Oaks participates in E-Verify and verifies identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Pacific Oaks offers equal employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, parental status, housing status, source of income or military status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local EEO laws.