Lead Teacher (5880)

Company: Lutheran Services Florida
Location: Palmetto
Posted on: January 3, 2026

Job Description:

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant. LSF is seeking a talented Lead Teacher who wants to make an impact in the lives of others. The ideal candidate will be bilingual in English to Spanish! Purpose and Impact: The Lead Teacher is responsible for day to day management of the teaching staff and curriculum development which facilitates instruction appropriate for students with a variety of academic competencies, backgrounds, skills, and learning needs. To design and implement daily instruction of all core subject areas to include: ESL, PE and Vocational Courses. The Teacher is to promote a positive climate of learning and excellence where students have the opportunity to enhance their developmental growth. Each teacher will be assigned a Teacher Aide to work with the children. The teacher will provide educational instruction per age group requirement and agency policies. Teachers will be bilingual in English and Spanish. Essential Functions: Provide support, guidance, and reviewing other members of teaching staff. Training and coaching to all teachers and related staff to develop educational policies and programs and performing other administrative operations in an effective and efficient manner. Create a safe and inclusive classroom environment of respect and rapport to ensure a positive learning experience for youth with diverse backgrounds. Organize and prepare materials for daily instruction while ensuring the inventory of classroom materials, may include: textbooks, furniture, and other equipment needed to assist in the provision of instruction. Utilize the LSF adopted curriculum to ensure compliance with National Academic Standards. Individualize lesson plans to meet each student academic level. Assist with the coordination of Physical Education instruction with all staff to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements. Develop Individualized Educational Plans to report and document student’s developmental progress (cognitive, emotional, social and physical). Use effective instructional strategies to meet the academic needs of the students. Provide a vocational course and curriculum in a subject area approved by program director or designee which introduces youth to career choices. Maintain a record of student’s academic progress (grade book) for the development of report cards. Meet departmental and program deadlines to ensure contractual compliance with reporting requirements. Other Functions Attend all organizational required trainings. Attend trainings that will enhance professional growth in the area of Education and/or Vocational curriculum and instruction with pre-approval from program director or designee. Attend all departmental and program meetings to ensure that up-to-date information is received and/or information of policy changes or practice are adhered to. Assist with the planning and coordination of special educational events. Must assist in the evacuation of youth as needed due to inclement weather conditions, natural disasters, or other unforeseen occurrences. Willing to travel if needed for trainings, conferences or to transport youth to destination if reunified within the Sponsor. Must maintain any professional or para-professional certifications acquired while employed with LSF annually. Ensure the proper supervision of youth at all times. Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; occasionally walk and stand. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Education: Bachelor’s degree required in the field of Education or related field. Must be a certified Educator in Florida. Experience: Extensive teaching experience (at least 3-5 years), preferably with bilingual youth Experience writing and implementing curriculum, highly skilled in both short term and long-term lesson planning Possess an extensive working knowledge of best childcare practices and childhood development Skills: Must be computer literate with working knowledge of Microsoft Windows (Word Perfect, Microsoft Word, Excel) Exceptional communication skills including writing, listening, and oral communication Ability to demonstrate and maintain confidentiality, exercise wisdom, reason, and patience, and make independent decisions within the scope of the position Ability to maintain a professional and friendly demeanor with strong leadership capabilities in: team building and staff relationships, teamwork, problem-solving, planning, organization, and implementation, building trust with staff, children and parents Ability to be empathetic and responsive to the concerns and needs of parents, guardians, children, and staff within the scope of Lutheran Services Florida’s mission, policies, procedures, capabilities, and Title 22 Health and Safety Regulations. Ability to effectively present information and respond to students, parents, and staff. Ability to handle stressful situations. Ability to maintain confidentiality of student matters. Ability to effectively manage time and responsibilities. Ability to be professional in appearance, attitude and demeanor. Must be able to work a flexible work schedule. Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly preferred Why work for LSF? LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization. Amazing benefits package including : Medical, Dental and Vision Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Employer paid life insurance (1X salary) 13 paid holidays 1 floating holiday Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year) Note: Head Start employees paid time off and holiday schedule may differ 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement Tuition reimbursement LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Lutheran Services Florida is mandated to perform background screenings for employment in accordance with the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse as outlined in Section 435.12, Florida Statutes. Additionally, pursuant to House Bill 531 (2025), Lutheran Services Florida must ensure that all job vacancy postings and advertisements include a clear and conspicuous link to the AHCA Clearinghouse website and its requirements. For more information on background screening requirements please visit: https://info.flclearinghouse.com Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Keywords: Lutheran Services Florida, Palmetto , Lead Teacher (5880), Education / Teaching , Palmetto, Florida