Pacific Oaks College & Children's School
Lead Teacher
Pacific Oaks College & Children's School, Pasadena, California, United States, 91122
Overview
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 and school communications, building strong parent relationships, and supporting school-wide initiatives. Lead Teachers mentor associate teachers and practicum students, demonstrating best practices and cultivating a learning environment centered on collaboration, respect, and continuous improvement. They ensure the effective operation and coordination of their programs and work 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
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 school policies and standards. They manage their classrooms independently while receiving guidance and feedback during regular check-ins and performance evaluations. Supervision Exercised:
Lead Teachers, in collaboration with Master Teachers (when present), supervise 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. When not, the Lead Teacher assumes direct supervision to guide the team, oversee classroom activities, and mentor teachers. This includes developing and implementing the curriculum, ensuring classroom management, and fostering a learning environment aligned with the school’s philosophy. Staffing
# of Supervised Directly – # of Supervised Indirectly 0 FTE (Direct) – 0 FTE (Indirect) 1–3 FTE Total (Non-exempt) 0 FTE Total 1–3 FTE Total (Exempt) – 0 FTE Exempt Essential Functions
Commitment to Progressive Philosophy & Curriculum Development : Implement 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 well-being; ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
Observations, Documentation & Communication : Observe and document children’s development, provide annual developmental summaries, and maintain regular communication with families.
Parent Partnerships & Engagement : Build respectful relationships with parents, facilitate conferences and group meetings, and participate in orientation and school events.
Staff Supervision & Professional Development : Supervise and mentor staff, lead meetings, provide feedback, and support professional growth.
Practicum Student Support : Mentor practicum students, guide curriculum planning and classroom management, and collaborate with faculty.
General Operations & Administrative Duties : Coordinate daily staffing, monitor classroom and environmental needs, and perform other duties as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Is regular attendance an essential function? Yes Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Ethical Modeling : Model ethical behavior for children, families, and colleagues.
Professionalism : Maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
Teaching Expertise : Experienced in preschool teaching with active learning, play, progressive, constructivist, or emergent principles.
Communication Skills : Effective written and verbal communication.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Collaboration : Communicate openly and constructively with staff and families.
Problem-Solving : Use appropriate channels and professional approaches to resolve issues.
Physical and Emotional Stamina : Ability to engage with children throughout the day.
Leadership : Mentor, supervise, and support other teachers and foster a positive work environment.
Position Qualifications
Required: Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field. Must be eligible to earn a graduate degree within two years.
Experience:
Minimum 12 months of experience working with young children in an early childhood setting.
Preferred: Experience:
Two years of experience is preferred.
Typical Working Conditions
Lead Teacher works in indoor and outdoor settings with varying temperatures; role requires flexibility and adaptability to classroom dynamics.
Equipment Used
Role does not require specialized equipment beyond typical classroom and outdoor materials.
Essential Physical & Mental Tasks
Physical Demands:
Standing, lifting up to 50 lbs, walking, carrying, hearing, speaking, writing, squatting/kneeling, reaching, climbing, pushing, and typing. Physical Environment - Exposed to:
Noise, heat/cold, fumes/gases, exposure to human tissue/fluids, chemicals, dirt. Mental Demands:
Reading, frequent interruptions, periods of concentrated attention, detailed work, frequent contact with people, frequent deadlines, multiple concurrent tasks. Travel
Up to 3% of total time. Some travel to events throughout the Pasadena area. Travel is voluntary and for school-related events or professional development. Environmental Conditions
Indoor Environment:
Quiet to moderately busy; temperature-controlled with potential exposure to art supplies and cleaning products.
Outdoor Environment:
Exposure to weather and sun; monitor safety and sun protection. Decision Making
Level of decision-making: Minimal to moderate. Decisions on daily operations and curriculum planning are made by the Lead Teacher in consultation with the Executive Director and families when needed. Contacts
Internal Contacts:
Peers, Co-workers, Executive Director and Leadership Team for guidance and school-wide initiatives. External Contacts:
Parents and Children for progress updates, supervision, and guidance. Financial Responsibility
This position does not require budget management but follows Pacific Oaks policies for purchasing and budget approvals. Compensation & Benefits
Base compensation is $20.00–$21.50 per hour. Additional compensation factors may apply. Benefits include paid time off, medical and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, and flexible spending accounts. For more details, visit the Pacific Oaks careers page. Pacific Oaks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pacific Oaks participates in E-Verify and verifies identity and employment eligibility of all employees. The statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not exhaustive of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Pacific Oaks is an equal employment opportunity employer regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, parental status, housing status, source of income, or military status, in accordance with applicable laws.
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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 and school communications, building strong parent relationships, and supporting school-wide initiatives. Lead Teachers mentor associate teachers and practicum students, demonstrating best practices and cultivating a learning environment centered on collaboration, respect, and continuous improvement. They ensure the effective operation and coordination of their programs and work 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
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 school policies and standards. They manage their classrooms independently while receiving guidance and feedback during regular check-ins and performance evaluations. Supervision Exercised:
Lead Teachers, in collaboration with Master Teachers (when present), supervise 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. When not, the Lead Teacher assumes direct supervision to guide the team, oversee classroom activities, and mentor teachers. This includes developing and implementing the curriculum, ensuring classroom management, and fostering a learning environment aligned with the school’s philosophy. Staffing
# of Supervised Directly – # of Supervised Indirectly 0 FTE (Direct) – 0 FTE (Indirect) 1–3 FTE Total (Non-exempt) 0 FTE Total 1–3 FTE Total (Exempt) – 0 FTE Exempt Essential Functions
Commitment to Progressive Philosophy & Curriculum Development : Implement 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 well-being; ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
Observations, Documentation & Communication : Observe and document children’s development, provide annual developmental summaries, and maintain regular communication with families.
Parent Partnerships & Engagement : Build respectful relationships with parents, facilitate conferences and group meetings, and participate in orientation and school events.
Staff Supervision & Professional Development : Supervise and mentor staff, lead meetings, provide feedback, and support professional growth.
Practicum Student Support : Mentor practicum students, guide curriculum planning and classroom management, and collaborate with faculty.
General Operations & Administrative Duties : Coordinate daily staffing, monitor classroom and environmental needs, and perform other duties as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Is regular attendance an essential function? Yes Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Ethical Modeling : Model ethical behavior for children, families, and colleagues.
Professionalism : Maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
Teaching Expertise : Experienced in preschool teaching with active learning, play, progressive, constructivist, or emergent principles.
Communication Skills : Effective written and verbal communication.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Collaboration : Communicate openly and constructively with staff and families.
Problem-Solving : Use appropriate channels and professional approaches to resolve issues.
Physical and Emotional Stamina : Ability to engage with children throughout the day.
Leadership : Mentor, supervise, and support other teachers and foster a positive work environment.
Position Qualifications
Required: Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field. Must be eligible to earn a graduate degree within two years.
Experience:
Minimum 12 months of experience working with young children in an early childhood setting.
Preferred: Experience:
Two years of experience is preferred.
Typical Working Conditions
Lead Teacher works in indoor and outdoor settings with varying temperatures; role requires flexibility and adaptability to classroom dynamics.
Equipment Used
Role does not require specialized equipment beyond typical classroom and outdoor materials.
Essential Physical & Mental Tasks
Physical Demands:
Standing, lifting up to 50 lbs, walking, carrying, hearing, speaking, writing, squatting/kneeling, reaching, climbing, pushing, and typing. Physical Environment - Exposed to:
Noise, heat/cold, fumes/gases, exposure to human tissue/fluids, chemicals, dirt. Mental Demands:
Reading, frequent interruptions, periods of concentrated attention, detailed work, frequent contact with people, frequent deadlines, multiple concurrent tasks. Travel
Up to 3% of total time. Some travel to events throughout the Pasadena area. Travel is voluntary and for school-related events or professional development. Environmental Conditions
Indoor Environment:
Quiet to moderately busy; temperature-controlled with potential exposure to art supplies and cleaning products.
Outdoor Environment:
Exposure to weather and sun; monitor safety and sun protection. Decision Making
Level of decision-making: Minimal to moderate. Decisions on daily operations and curriculum planning are made by the Lead Teacher in consultation with the Executive Director and families when needed. Contacts
Internal Contacts:
Peers, Co-workers, Executive Director and Leadership Team for guidance and school-wide initiatives. External Contacts:
Parents and Children for progress updates, supervision, and guidance. Financial Responsibility
This position does not require budget management but follows Pacific Oaks policies for purchasing and budget approvals. Compensation & Benefits
Base compensation is $20.00–$21.50 per hour. Additional compensation factors may apply. Benefits include paid time off, medical and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, and flexible spending accounts. For more details, visit the Pacific Oaks careers page. Pacific Oaks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pacific Oaks participates in E-Verify and verifies identity and employment eligibility of all employees. The statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not exhaustive of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Pacific Oaks is an equal employment opportunity employer regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, parental status, housing status, source of income, or military status, in accordance with applicable laws.
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