The Lead Teacher is a role model and mentor within the classroom, responsible for delivering high-quality, developmentally appropriate, and Christ-centered programs for children. In addition to all Teacher responsibilities, the Lead Teacher supports the onboarding, observation, and mentorship of new teachers within their age group, helping to verify skills and foster a culture of excellence and spiritual growth. This position is designed for experienced educators who demonstrate spiritual leadership, strong communication, and a heart for serving others.
Classroom & Instructional Leadership
- Plan and deliver daily activities that support spiritual, social, emotional, and academic development, integrating Bible stories, prayer, and Christian values in age-appropriate ways.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and age-appropriate learning environment; follow all licensing, NAC, and CACFP requirements.
- Use varied instructional strategies to meet diverse learning needs.
- Track attendance, developmental milestones, and classroom routines consistently.
Mentorship & Onboarding
- Serve as a mentor for new teachers within the assigned age group, providing classroom observation, feedback, and support during onboarding.
- Assist with skills verification and practical training for new hires, using Lionheart’s New Employee Orientation tools and checklists.
- Model best practices in classroom management, curriculum implementation, and spiritual integration.
- Support the development of a positive, collaborative team culture.
Leadership & Professional Development
- Participate in Lead Teacher orientation/training and ongoing leadership development.
- Take initiative in identifying and addressing classroom or team needs.
- Assist Academy Directors and Assistant Directors with special projects, pilot programs, or process improvements as needed.
- Demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to serve across age groups or support academy-wide initiatives.
Family Engagement
- Build strong partnerships with families through daily communication, milestone sharing, and spiritual updates.
- Respond promptly and professionally to family concerns.
Team & Academy Responsibilities
- Collaborate with co-teachers, floaters, and leadership to ensure smooth classroom operations.
- Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and academy events.
- Assist with housekeeping, laundry, and restocking supplies as needed.
- At least 18 years of age; high school diploma or GED required.
- Meets all state minimum standards and qualifications for an Early Childhood Lead Teacher; CDA, AA, or BA in Early Childhood Education preferred.
- Minimum 1 year of experience in a licensed child care facility.
- Demonstrated spiritual leadership and alignment with Lionheart’s mission and values.
- Positive peer and family relationships; strong communication skills.
- Criminal background check.
Competencies
- Spiritual Alignment: Models a Christ-centered life and integrates faith into daily work.
- Mentorship & Leadership: Guides, encourages, and supports peers and new hires.
- Intentional Relationships: Builds trust and collaboration with children, families, and staff.
- Heart to Serve: Joyfully serves with humility and strength.
- Tenacity & Adaptability: Perseveres through challenges and responds creatively to change.
- Effective Communication: Clearly conveys updates, feedback, and biblical principles.
Skills
- Safety & Compliance: Maintains sight-and-sound supervision, adheres to licensing, NAC, and CACFP requirements, and ensures a safe and clean classroom.
- Curriculum Implementation: Plans and delivers developmentally appropriate spiritual and academic activities tailored to children’s needs.
- Family Engagement: Builds trust through daily communication, milestone sharing, and proactive partnership with families.
- Observation & Documentation: Accurately records attendance, care routines, developmental progress, and CACFP point-of-service counts.
- Effective Communication: Clearly conveys updates to families, collaborates with co-teachers, and models biblical principles.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Successful onboarding and retention of new teachers.
- Positive feedback from mentees, families, and team members.
- Compliance with all state licensing, NAC, CACFP, and safety standards.
- Accurate and timely completion of documentation.
- Demonstrated teamwork and alignment with Lionheart’s mission and values.
