Lead teacher

About the role

The Lead Teacher is responsible for holistic child education, addressing students' needs and interests. The role involves stimulating language, emotional, physical, and cognitive development through meaningful and personalized learning experiences. The Lead Teacher must adhere to school policies and collaborate with students, parents, colleagues, and administration while complying with North Carolina regulations.

Key Competencies

• Collaborative teamwork: Works effectively with colleagues to foster a positive and participatory work environment.
• Positive communication: Promotes respectful and constructive dialogue with students, parents, and colleagues to encourage mutual understanding and support.
• Customer focus: Addresses the needs of children and families to ensure the best educational experience.
• Planning: Strategically organizes educational activities and resources to meet learning objectives.
• Climate agent: Creates an inclusive and respectful classroom environment where all children and adults feel valued.
• Interpersonal sensitivity: Recognizes and responds empathetically to the emotional needs of children and adults in the school environment.
• Political sensitivity: Maintains a diplomatic and professional attitude in situations requiring discretion and tact.
• Respect: Models and promotes respect for all individuals within and outside the classroom, fostering trust and collaboration.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, or Pedagogy + Early Childhood NC Credentials, or
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (with at least 18 Early Childhood Education credits), or
• Associate degree (AA/AAS) in Early Childhood Development or Child Development.
• Bilingual (Spanish and English).
• Minimum of 2 years of verifiable experience in early childhood education.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• DHHS Criminal Background Check clearance.

Skills

• Fluent communication in Spanish and English.
• Ability to work under pressure in a dynamic environment.
• Self-motivation, initiative, and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Creative and effective problem-solving.
• Ability to foster teamwork and maintain positive relationships with colleagues and families.
• Physical agility: Capable of moving easily within the classroom, including kneeling, bending, crawling, running, and jumping to interact with children at their level.
• Active physical interaction: Ability to physically engage at the child’s level, such as sitting on the floor or kneeling, to promote closeness and trust.
• Adaptability to movement: Ability to perform quick and precise movements when necessary to ensure children’s safety, such as assisting them during play or in risky situations.

Responsibilities

• Educational planning and documentation: Plans and documents all pedagogical activities following SFF! guidelines and ensuring compliance with school policies and procedures.
• Classroom attendance and daily management: Ensures student attendance is up-to-date and collaborates with the team to manage all classroom activities in accordance with DCDEE and SFF! regulations.
• Active participation in school meetings and events: Attends and contributes to planning meetings, school events, and parent conferences, ensuring compliance with SFF! policies and DCDEE rules.
• Safety and sanitation in the classroom: Ensures compliance with all health and safety regulations established by SFF! and DCDEE, guaranteeing that the classroom and materials are safe and appropriate for children.