Head Instructor Jobs
Head Instructor jobs are open across fitness, martial arts, dance, education, and corporate training, from entry-level instructors to senior program leads, with specializations in curriculum development, group coaching, and performance assessment. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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JOB ASSIGNMENT: Watsontown Children's Center, 1100 Main Street, Watsontown, PA 17777. This substitute assignment with an anticipated start date of November 30th, 2026 until February 26th, 2027 . This is paid at the $150 per diem rate (equivalent to $18.75 hour).
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP: The Head Start instructor – Substitute reports to the assigned Head Start regional team supervisor and in their absence, to the Head Start Programs Manager.
JOB DEFINITION: This position’s main responsibility is for overall functioning of the Head Start class and for assuring that the services of the program are available to each child or family. This position requires substituting as a Head Start Instructor at Watsontown Children’s Center.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Plan and supervise classroom activities, implementing a program which carries out the education plan.
- Supervise center staff and volunteers (e.g. foster grandparents, college and high school students, substitutes).
- Encourage and supervise parent involvement in the Head Start program according to policies and guidelines set forth by the Head Start Policy Council, e.g., schedule Family/Teacher conferences in the classroom or in the home, consult with parents about child's needs and progress which includes education, health, nutrition and social service components, and assist in recruitment of children (usually by making referrals) and volunteers
- Maintain health and safety standards in the classroom.
- Make required home visits.
- Carry out educational and developmental assessment of children.
- Follow universal precautions when cleaning up bodily fluids.
- Make sure that all necessary records are maintained.
- Attend and make use of appropriate training.
- Participate in center staff meetings and planning meetings.
- Participate in Parent Meetings.
- Arrange transportation (children and parents) when needed for Head Start functions.
- Use computer for program record keeping and communication.
- Provide information concerning future appropriate placement of children.
- Be responsible for the coordination of the center facility including maintenance of center equipment and supplies and transportation arrangements.
- Communicate effectively with children and adults.
- Promote a positive Head Start image in the community.
NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assume other duties as assigned by the Head Start instructor or their designee.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:
- Must have an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development: or an Associate degree in a related field with at least six courses in early childhood education or child development and experience teaching preschool children. A Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field with at least six courses in early childhood education or child development and experience teaching preschool children is preferred.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, flexibility to accommodate a changing caseload, and a professional attitude are required.
- Must have an interest in and concern for children and their families and some experience dealing with children and/or families.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS:
- Attend training seminars and in-service programs identified as important to the operation of the instructional program.
- Continued training in First Aid is required.
ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS:
- Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015).
- Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours training every five (5) years.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must have strength and ability to lift young children (approximately 45 lbs.).
- Must have strength and ability to carry teaching materials/bags (approximately 20 lbs.).
- Must tolerate considerable bending, stooping and squatting.
- Must be able to assist children with self-help skills.
- Must be able to negotiate stairs and rough terrain at centers and homes.
- Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.).
- Audio-Visual Requirements: Within normal range with or without correction.
- Is able to move throughout all buildings, floors and grounds.
- Worksite Environment: Primarily indoors-office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate during the day.
- Mental demands: Steady response to unpredictable situations, ability to remain calm and productive during stressful situations. Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion and is able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Must be able to travel to various Head Start centers / off-site locations.
- Ability to travel to various work site locations and meetings as needed.
- The ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
- Maintain a current physical on a biennial schedule.
TIME AND SITE REQUIREMENTS:
- This substitute assignment time period is anticipated to start November 30th, 2026 until February 26th, 2027. Position will work eight (8) hours per day, five (5) days per week, and follows the Head Start school year calendar.
- Regular attendance at work is a requirement of this position; any and all absences must be approved by the immediate supervisor.
- Attendance at evening events/activities as required.
CSIU PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS:
- All property, including intellectual property, materials, equipment or actual products and services developed or accrued as part of the job duties and responsibilities listed above, is the property of the CSIU. It may not be used for personal profit or gain and will be relinquished to the CSIU upon termination of employment from the CSIU.
- The person employed in this position shall maintain confidentiality with regard to the personal and private information about clients and coworkers, programs and services and any other proprietary information accrued as a result of CSIU employment or as required by state or federal laws and regulations.
- The person employed in this position must adhere to all requirements identified in the code of professionalism entitled "Ambassadors Are Professionals, Too" and CSIU Administrative Regulation 317-AR-1 CSIU Service Standards.
The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. It is the responsibility of the employee to inform their supervisor and the director of Human Resources of any and all reasonable accommodations that will be required.
Head Instructor Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Head Instructor JobsHead Instructor Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in head instructor jobs.
- Demonstrated experience leading or managing a team of instructors or coaches
- Current certification in the relevant discipline such as ACE, NASM, ATA, or equivalent
- Proven ability to design and implement curriculum or structured training programs
- CPR and first aid certification, current and from an accredited organization
- Strong classroom or floor management skills with groups of varying skill levels
- Bachelor's degree in education, kinesiology, physical education, or a related field
Tips for Your Head Instructor Job Search
Tailor your resume to each discipline
Head instructor roles in martial arts, fitness, and academic settings each expect different credentials front and center. Rearrange your resume so the certifications and experience most relevant to that specific discipline appear in the top third.
List every relevant certification you hold
Certifications like CPR, first aid, and discipline-specific credentials often filter applications before a human reviews them. Spell out every current certification, its issuing body, and its expiration date in a dedicated section.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists head instructor openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Demonstrate curriculum development experience clearly
Many head instructor postings require proof you have built or redesigned a program, not just delivered one. Call out specific examples where you created lesson plans, restructured a training curriculum, or improved student outcomes through program changes.
Prepare a teaching or coaching demonstration
Employers frequently ask finalist candidates to lead a live session or submit a recorded demonstration. Identify two or three scenarios from your specialty that showcase your instructional range, so you can present confidently with minimal preparation time.
Negotiate schedule and class load upfront
Head instructor compensation often ties to the number of sessions taught per week, not a flat salary. Before accepting any offer, confirm the minimum guaranteed class load, how additional sessions are compensated, and whether that structure changes seasonally.
Head Instructor Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most head instructors?
Spirit Taekwondo, Hollins University, and Black Flag Gym are hiring the most head instructors right now, with openings concentrated in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand tends to be highest at fitness chains, martial arts school franchises, and K-12 enrichment program operators.
How many head instructor jobs are remote?
About 0% of head instructor openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with most remote roles concentrated in corporate training, online fitness programming, and virtual academic tutoring. Hands-on disciplines like martial arts and group fitness still require in-person instruction for the majority of positions.
How do you become a head instructor?
Start by earning a recognized certification in your discipline and accumulating at least several years of front-line teaching or coaching experience. Build a portfolio of curriculum you have designed or improved, then pursue a lead or senior instructor role to gain supervisory experience. Document measurable outcomes like student advancement rates or program enrollment growth before applying to head instructor positions.
Can you get hired as a head instructor with little experience?
Some employers will hire a candidate with limited experience into a head instructor role if they hold strong certifications and can demonstrate they have designed a structured program, even a volunteer or community one. Focus on roles at smaller independent studios or nonprofit organizations, where hiring standards are often more flexible and growth into the full role is part of the offer.
What does the head instructor interview process look like?
Most head instructor interviews begin with a phone or video screen focused on your background and certifications, followed by an in-person or recorded teaching demonstration where you lead a sample session for a small group. Final-round conversations typically include a discussion of how you would structure a curriculum or handle a staff management scenario, and may involve meeting other instructors or program leads.
Where can I find and apply to head instructor jobs?
You can find and apply to head instructor jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your discipline and experience level, and apply directly to each listing that fits.
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