Head Start Lead Teacher (1888)

POWER CENTER ACADEMY MIDDLE - SOUTHEAST; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 33,000 - 40,800; Full time

Job summary

Southern Avenue Charter Elementary School in Memphis, TN is seeking a Head Start Lead Teacher to create a safe, nurturing classroom that promotes preschool readiness in line with Head Start Performance Standards and TN-ELDS.

The role involves planning developmentally appropriate curricula, assessing children, and communicating with families to support development and school readiness. Full-time, 10-month position, with supervision of staff and ongoing PD.

Qualifications

• TN-ELDS knowledge and Head Start standards
• Ability to plan curriculum and instruction
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Head Start standards.
• Conduct ongoing child assessments and use data to individualize instruction.
• Create a warm, inclusive classroom that fosters curiosity and learning.
• Communicate regularly with families to support child development and home–school connections.
• Maintain accurate attendance, assessment, and family communication records.
• Provide supervision to Teacher Assistant(s) and collaborate with staff.
• Participate in professional development and team meetings.
• Ensure compliance with licensing regulations and Head Start policies.

Skills

TN-ELDS knowledge

Head Start standards

Data-driven instruction

Curriculum planning

Mentoring

Collaboration

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s in ECE/Child Development

Bachelor’s preferred

Job description

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).

Location

Southern Avenue Charter Elementary School, Memphis, TN

Salary Range

$19.35 – $23.56 per hour

Employment Type

Full-Time, 10-month

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.