Elementary Lead Teacher
Location: Laureate College, Burlington, Ontario
Position Type: Full-Time, Academic Year (with administrative prep days)
Time Allocation: 80% Leadership, Operations & Administration | 20% Classroom Instruction
Reporting To: Head of School / Principal
Position Overview
Laureate College is seeking a visionary and highly organized Elementary Lead Teacher to oversee the daily operations and strategic growth of our Elementary Program (Grades 1–8). This is a hybrid leadership role designed for an experienced educator who excels in school administration, curriculum design, and staff mentorship.
The successful candidate will spend 80% of their time managing the "business of the classroom" and the elementary wing—ensuring Ministry compliance, driving academic excellence, and fostering a vibrant school culture—while maintaining a 20% teaching load to stay connected to student learning and model best pedagogical practices.
Leadership & Operations (80% of Role)
1. Daily Operations & Staff Management
- Daily Flow: Oversee the daily schedule, including arrival/dismissal procedures, recess supervision schedules, and emergency protocols.
- Staff Mentorship: Supervise elementary teaching staff; conduct regular check-ins, provide pedagogical coaching, and facilitate professional development.
- Substitute Management: Coordinate internal coverage or external supply teachers for staff absences.
- Conflict Resolution: Act as the primary point of contact for student behavioral issues and parent concerns within the elementary division.
2. Curriculum Development & Academic Oversight
- Curriculum Mapping: Ensure all elementary programs meet or exceed the Ontario Ministry of Education expectations and align with Laureate College’s unique educational philosophy (e.g., STEAM, Gifted/Enrichment).
- Assessment & Reporting: Oversee the reporting cycle, including the review and editing of all elementary report cards for clarity, accuracy, and alignment with Growing Success guidelines.
- Resource Procurement: Identify and purchase textbooks, digital platforms, and classroom manipulatives within the allocated budget.
3. Administrative & Growth Duties
- Admissions Support: Meet with prospective elementary families, conduct student assessments/observations, and assist the Admissions Team in determining student fit.
- Ministry Compliance: Maintain Elementary Ontario Student Records (OSRs) and ensure all documentation (Individual Education Plans, safety plans) is current and compliant.
- Parent Communication: Author the elementary portion of the school newsletter and lead Parent Information Nights.
Instructional Duties (20% of Role)
- Direct Instruction: Responsible for the planning, delivery, and assessment of a specific subject area or grade-level block (e.g., Literacy, Mathematics, or a specialized Enrichment program).
- Modeling Excellence: Utilize the classroom as a "lab" to model innovative teaching strategies, differentiated instruction, and effective classroom management for other staff members.
- Student Assessment: Maintain accurate records of student progress for the specific cohort taught.
Cyclical Duties
Start-of-Year Duties (August – September)
- Staff Orientation: Design and lead the "Welcome Back" week for elementary staff.
- Classroom Setup: Oversee the physical preparation of the elementary wing, ensuring all environments are safety-compliant and inviting.
- Initial Timetabling: Build the elementary master schedule, including specialist rotations (Phys. Ed, French, Arts).
- Diagnostic Testing: Coordinate beginning-of-year assessments to establish student baselines.
Year-End Duties (May – June)
- Transition Planning: Organize "Step-Up" days for students moving to the next grade and lead the transition meetings for Grade 8 students moving into the Laureate High School program.
- Promotion & Awards: Organize the Elementary Moving Up ceremony and select award recipients.
- Reporting & Audits: Conduct a final audit of all Elementary OSRs and ensure all final report cards are filed.
- Summer Planning: Provide recommendations for summer reading lists or academic bridge programs.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) and current Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) membership in good standing.
- Experience: Minimum 5–7 years of elementary teaching experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership capacity (e.g., Department Head, Coordinator, or Vice-Principal).
- Certifications: Principal’s Qualifications (PQP) Part 1 & 2 are considered a significant asset.
- Skills:
- Expert knowledge of the Ontario Elementary Curriculum.
- Strong administrative proficiency (Excel, School Management Systems, Google Workspace).
- Exceptional "soft skills" for navigating sensitive parent and staff conversations.
- Proven ability to manage budgets and school logistics.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for two professional references to [email protected].
Note: Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $65,000.00-$75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
