Education Administration

A school system would not work without proper leadership and that is why it needs its administrators. Administrators include principals, assistant principals, superintendents, and a team of other administrative professionals who oversee the daily workings of the school system. They are also responsible for hiring new staff, managing school funds, evaluating systems and creating new systems, and overseeing operational activities. By 2016 the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 12 percent increase in educational administration jobs, up from 450,000 jobs in 2006. Parents are beginning to see the value of preschool and colleges are beginning to ramp up their offerings for adult education. Enrollment is increasing in both of these areas, therefore the majority of teaching administration careers will be at pre-K and postsecondary schools.

Administration Careers in Education

Educational administrators are a vital part of the educational system. They oversee the operational systems and management of educational institutions, a job that is essential to the successful functioning of any organization. Educational administrative jobs include:

school principal
assistant/vice-principal
school district administrator
superintendent
private school dean
director of admissions
preschool director
college/university president
provost/chief academic officer

It is typical for administrators to spend time as a teacher before pursuing a career in administration. Doing so certainly can help when determining how to deal with certain situations involving teachers; having that perspective can lend itself to a leadership position. Administrators should also possess basic leadership qualities such as time management skills and interpersonal skills. Additionally, an administrator should be prepared for a fast-paced job with important duties that may demand a high level of commitment.

If you are considering a career in educational administration, you will be successful with a deep desire to give the best possible education to all of your students. Even a diverse student body can be a challenge for administrators. Just as politicians struggle to meet the needs and desires of every citizen, as an administrator you may find yourself facing challenging decisions where you must do what is right for the overall population of your school or district. Governmental mandates must also be met while you decide what is best for your students. Making sure that you are considering every student’s needs and meeting those federal and state standards will determine your success as an administrator.

As long as you remain fair and balanced in your administrative approach to education, you will have a great career as an educational leader.

Requirements

Typically, educational administrators will begin teaching even before they consider a career in administration. Others know right away that they belong in leadership and offer up their ideas and demonstrate commitment as a faculty member. After they have completed their master’s or doctoral degree, many of these determined teachers go on to become winning administrators with the support of their fellow faculty members already cemented in place.

In a master’s and/or doctoral program, you will learn how to become a successful leader in an educational environment. Study is less focused on the art of teaching and more on the details of how to operate and manage a successful institution. In your degree work you will be required to meet state and federal government standards for school administrators.

Most states in the U.S. will require a master’s degree or higher. In addition to that, you will be required to pass an aptitude test and to take continuing education courses to periodically update your license. You may find less stringent requirements at the preschool level and for private schools, however having a graduate degree will help in positioning you for a successful career in all education levels. To find an educational administration program that is right for you, try searching our school directory.