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.

Featured Schools that offer Education Administration
	Capella University provides working adults the opportunity to earn online degrees in the fields of business management, health care, higher education, human capital management, information technology, mental health, P-12 education, and public safety.. More>>
	To provide accessible, affordable, innovative, high-quality learning opportunities and degree programs that meet the diverse needs of individuals pursuing integrity in their lives, professions and communities. Balance your job with online coursework as you earn your Bachelors or Masters Degree.. More>>
	As the nation’s first 100% online, accredited university, Jones International University® (JIU®) focuses on the needs of working professionals by using programs that develop the skills needed to succeed—without disrupting work or family obligations.. More>>
	As a working teacher, you understand better than most the integral role that education can play in attaining ones goals—including your own. Which is why, like most educators, you ave considered earning your masters degree at some point in your career.. More>>
	Founded in 1949, Grand Canyon University developed into a premier teacher education college, and soon formed other exceptional programs in the nursing, business, Christian studies, and arts & sciences. As the city of Phoenix expanded around Grand Canyon University. More>>
	Capella University offers online degrees in the fields of business management, health care, higher education, human capital management, information technology, mental health, P-12 education, and public safety.. More>>
	The University Of Southern Californias Rossier School Of Education is one of the world premier centers for graduate study in urban education. We prepare and develop educational leaders who are agents of change and we are committed to innovation in all our programs. More>>
	Walden University is an accredited online institution that for 40 years has provided an engaging learning experience for working professionals. At Walden, we have designed our programs and services to be effective in the real world, because after all, that the world you work and live in.. More>>
	Ashworth College is a respected, worldwide leader in comprehensive, globally accredited online education. We have unified the three schools formerly known as Professional Career Development Institute, Ashworth College and James Madison High School under one name.. More>>