Are you looking to become a school administrator?
This career guide will provide an overview of the job description, requirements, salary, and job outlook for school administrators.
We will also cover important skills and qualifications, as well as resources and references for furthering your education.
With the right preparation, you can play a critical role in helping students reach their academic goals.
Overview of School Administrator Positions
School administrators typically come in a variety of roles, such as principal, assistant principal, dean, department chair, and director of student services/special education/operations, each requiring different qualifications and job responsibilities.
Qualities such as compassion, organization, innovation, and strong communication skills are all important for a successful administrator.
Prospective school administrators need a graduate degree in education administration, education leadership, or a related field. Additionally, most programs require several years of classroom teaching experience.
Common tasks for school administrators include setting and enforcing school budgets, maintaining academic records, and assisting students and faculty.
Becoming a school administrator in a public school setting requires a bachelors degree, teacher preparation program, state teaching license, masters degree, state tests for a public school administrators license, and applying for open administrative positions.
Education Requirements for School Administrators
Frequently, school administrators must hold a graduate degree in education administration, education leadership, or a related field in order to be successful in their role. Common degree levels for school administrators are masters degrees, Educational Specialist degrees, Doctor of Education degrees, and PhDs in Education. Prospective school administrators also need several years of experience in classroom teaching.
Furthermore, postsecondary education administrators typically require a masters degree, while a doctoral degree is expected in many cases. Common tasks for school administrators include setting and enforcing school budgets, maintaining academic records, assisting students and faculty, and managing staff. It is important to know the state board of education’s requirements for certification, as they differ from state to state.
School Administrator Job Duties and Responsibilities
As a school administrator, duties typically include:
- Setting and enforcing school budgets
- Maintaining academic records
- Assisting students and faculty
- Managing staff
These duties require a variety of skills, including:
- Compassion
- Knowledge of school policies
- Organization
- Communication
- Interpersonal abilities
Other responsibilities include:
- Evaluating teachers’ performance
- Ensuring school safety and security
- Managing specific areas of the school
- Working in admissions or student affairs
These roles require a graduate degree in education administration, education leadership, or a related field. With experience, school administrators can advance in their careers and earn higher salaries.
Salary and Job Outlook for School Administrators
The median salary for school administrators in 2022 was $101,320 for elementary, middle, and secondary schools, and $99,940 for postsecondary education administrators. Job growth for the former is projected to be 5%, while the latter is estimated at 7% through 2031.
Salary and job outlook will vary depending on job title, grade levels, and experience. School administrators should have strong leadership, organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. They should also be compassionate, knowledgeable, innovative, and enthusiastic.
Education administration positions usually require at least a masters degree, while a doctoral degree may be preferred in some cases.
Important Skills and Qualities for School Administrators
Compassion, knowledge, innovation, and enthusiasm are essential qualities for successful school administrators. To be successful, administrators must also be organized, detail-oriented, flexible, and have strong communication and interpersonal skills. Additionally, the following qualities are beneficial for school administrators:
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Compassion: School administrators must be genuinely compassionate and caring about the students and faculty they serve.
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Knowledge: School administrators must have a deep understanding of school policies and regulations.
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Innovation: Administrators must be able to think outside of the box to solve problems and come up with creative solutions.
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Enthusiasm: School administrators must be passionate about their work and have a deep commitment to student success.
Becoming a School Administrator
Although the job of a school administrator is demanding, it is also rewarding for those who possess the necessary qualifications and skills. To become a school administrator in a public primary or secondary school, a candidate must complete a certification program approved by the state board of education. This typically includes a graduate program in education administration or leadership, a state teaching license, teaching experience, passing state tests, and applying for open administrative positions.
| Prerequisites | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Graduate Program | Education Administration/Leadership |
| State Teaching License | Teaching Experience |
| Teaching Experience | State Tests |
| State Tests | Open Administrative Positions |
| Open Administrative Positions | N/A |
Additional Resources and References
In addition to the prerequisites and requirements for becoming a school administrator, there are several useful resources and references available to aspiring school administrators. These include:
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The School Superintendents Association, which provides helpful articles and information about the profession.
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The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), which provide resources for school improvement and professional development.
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2022 Occupational Employment and Wages for education administrators in K-12 and postsecondary institutions.
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook for elementary, middle, and high school principals, and postsecondary education administrators.
These resources can help provide aspiring school administrators with the information they need to pursue a career in the field.
Conclusion
School administration is a challenging yet rewarding role in the education system. Those with the right qualifications, skills, and experience can help students reach their goals and foster a positive learning environment. With proper preparation, school administrators can play a critical role in the success of a school.
This career guide has provided an overview of the job description, requirements, salary, and job outlook for school administrators, as well as helpful resources for furthering their education.
