Head Start Lead Teacher

Reports to: Head Start Director / School Principal
Location: Southern Avenue Charter Elementary School, Memphis, TN
Salary Range: $19.35 – $23.56 per hour
Employment Type: Full-Time, 10-month

Position Summary:

Southern Avenue Charter Elementary School is seeking a passionate and dedicated Head Start Lead Teacher to join our early childhood education team. The Lead Teacher will be responsible for creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment that promotes the school readiness of preschool-aged children. This role supports cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development aligned with Head Start Performance Standards and Tennessee Early Learning Development Standards (TN-ELDS).

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and lesson plans that promote school readiness and align with Head Start standards.

• Conduct ongoing child assessments and use data to individualize instruction.

• Create a warm and inclusive classroom environment that fosters curiosity, exploration, and a love of learning.

• Communicate regularly with families to support child development and build strong home-school connections.

• Maintain accurate records of attendance, assessments, and family communications.

• Provide supervision and mentoring to the Teacher Assistant(s) and collaborate with support staff.

• Participate in professional development, reflective supervision, and team meetings.

• Ensure compliance with licensing regulations, Head Start standards, and school policies.

Qualifications:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (Bachelor’s preferred).

• Minimum of one year of classroom experience working with preschool-aged children, preferably in a Head Start or early childhood program.

• Knowledge of TN-ELDS and Head Start Performance Standards.

• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).

• Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.

• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and the success of all scholars.