ONLINE SCHOOLS

Although classroom teachers often dream of becoming principals of their schools, only a small percentage decide to pursue this career course.

Principals, who are grouped among those known as ‘education administrators’, generally command substantially higher salaries than teachers. This factor alone draws a significant amount of interest to positions that open up in this field.

However, once teachers learn what is required of them in landing the job and performing the necessary duties, only a small percentage complete the application process.

This narrows the competition to those who are truly interested in and prepared for the challenge that awaits them.

Education administrators, including principals, are responsible for a multitude of tasks. Whether working in corporate education, higher education institutions, hospitals, or grade schools, those in education leadership must be diligent and well-prepared.

They plan and oversee instruction and testing; manage and supervise faculty and staff; set performance goals, along with strategies for meeting those goals, develop diverse programs; oversee staff training; interact with parents, students and other administrators; analyze and set budgets, and much more.

Most jobs for principals and other education administrators require a master’s or doctorate degree, preferably in education, with an emphasis in leadership or administration. Classroom teachers may work their way into high-level administrative jobs through years of experience, by being mentored, and by proving themselves in increasingly demanding education and managerial tasks.

In some private elementary and secondary schools, a bachelor’s degree may suffice for those desiring an education leadership position. But in public schools and at college level, education administrators are expected to hold an accredited graduate degree.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the top half of education administrators may earn between $75,690 and $128,490 (and higher). However, differences in salary vary between regions of the U.S. and are impacted by a number of factors — including individual school district budgets, the experience of the job candidate, and the scope of expected duties.

A number of colleges and universities offer traditional and online degrees in education administration. For example, the University of Southern California (USC) Rossier School of Education offers several master’s degrees in teaching and education, as well as a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership.

Graduate online degree programs in education are also available at Western Governors University, Capella University Online, Concordia University Online, Kaplan University and many other accredited colleges and universities.

The field of education administration is expected to grow significantly in the future, offering excellent job opportunities to qualified candidates. This is particularly true as school districts in some areas expand and as openings are left vacant by those retiring or leaving the field.

education administration, education leadership, masters in education, doctorate in education, jobs, western governors, capella, kaplan, online degree program, concordia

Popularity: 5% [?]

Share This