What Is Education Administration?
Effective administration is critical to first-rate education. The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has highlighted how strong school principals improve student outcomes and teacher retention by:
- Allocating educational resources and managing staff strategically
- Cultivating high-performing educational environments that empower teachers
- Promoting constructive collaboration among teachers
While education administration is important, many may not be aware of what it entails. What is education administration? Consider the wide variety of roles in the discipline and learn how a Master of Arts (MA) in School Administration degree can lead to a rewarding, meaningful career.
Understanding Education Administration
Education administration involves various responsibilities that promote positive education outcomes. The key aspects of education administration include:
- Overseeing and managing personnel and resources. This can involve everything from hiring teachers to managing budgets to developing policies and procedures.
- Ensuring compliance with requirements. Overseeing the implementation of many laws and regulations related to providing education.
- Developing curricula. Creating high-quality programs of study, as well as implementing educational initiatives and school programs.
- Establishing disciplinary policies. Developing disciplinary policies and ensuring that schools consistently follow those policies.
- Fostering a positive culture. Creating a school culture that promotes concepts such as resilience and achievement is an important responsibility that supports both teachers and students.
- Preparing for emergencies and strengthening school safety. Ensuring that schools have crisis management plans and follow safety protocols.
- Promoting professional development. Supporting the opportunity for teachers and staff to pursue additional education and continue to learn.
- Creating and implementing performance review processes. Providing teachers and staff with performance feedback and addressing performance issues.
Ultimately, education administration is made up of a range of responsibilities that support all parties involved in education and promote student success.
Requirements to Work in Education Administration
Certain prerequisites are needed to work in education administration.
1. Earn a Relevant Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree in education, early childhood education, or a related discipline is the first step on the education administration career path. These degree programs can build a strong foundation in subjects such as curriculum development, classroom management, and education policy.
2. Obtain a Teaching License and Gain Teaching Experience
Working in education administration usually takes several years of teaching experience; in public education, this requires earning a teaching license. This typically involves completing a teacher preparation program, undergoing a background check, and passing a subject-matter exam.
After obtaining a teaching license, one needs to acquire several years of experience before moving into an administration position. Classroom experience is invaluable in informing how education administrators approach their work.
3. Earn a Graduate Degree
To fill senior positions in education administration, individuals typically must take the time to pursue a master’s degree in education.
A master’s degree in school administration, for example, is an ideal way to acquire the expertise necessary to succeed in education administration roles. MA in School Administration degree programs offer courses in subjects such as:
- Leadership
- Organization and management
- Financial management
- Human resource management for school districts
- Trends in curriculum development
- Educational assessment and evaluation
These programs also provide students with opportunities to gain real-world experience in areas such as school governance or instructional leadership. If you have a bachelor’s degree in a different field, you can still apply to graduate school for education administration.
4. Obtain Credentials to Work in Education Administration
In most states, individuals need to obtain a license or some other form of credential to work as school administrators. For example, school administrators in California must obtain an Administrative Services Credential (ASC). Requirements for that credential include:
- Completing a preparation program in administrative services
- Obtaining a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC)
- Working at least two years in a full-time administrative position
- Passing a credentialing exam
- Completing an administrative services induction program
Types of Careers in Education Administration
The broad scope of education administration allows professionals to enter various positions.
School Principal
Principals of elementary, middle, and high schools oversee all of their schools’ operations. They perform duties such as overseeing staff, creating curriculum standards, evaluating teachers, and organizing counseling and other school services.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that school principals earned a median annual salary of $104,070 as of May 2024. While the BLS projects a contraction in the total number of principal positions between 2024 and 2034, it still forecasts an average of 20,800 openings for principals each year during the period due to the need to replace those retiring or leaving the profession.
Preschool and Child Care Center Director
Similar to school principals, directors of preschools or childcare centers oversee all elements of their institutions’ operations. Examples of directors’ duties include supervising staff, developing educational programs and policies, creating budgets, and overseeing security.
Directors of preschools or childcare centers earned a median annual salary of $56,270 as of May 2024, according to the BLS. The BLS projects total positions for directors of preschools or childcare, it projects an average of 5,500 job openings each year to replace directors retiring or leaving the field.
Postsecondary Education Administrator
Postsecondary education administrators oversee aspects of a college’s or university’s operations. Their duties can vary, but they may be responsible for supervising departments such as registrars’ offices, admissions, or student affairs.
The BLS reports that postsecondary education administrators earned a median annual salary of $103,960 as of May 2024, and it projects 2% growth in positions between 2024 and 2034, with an average of 15,100 job openings each year.
Expertise in Education Administration Can Lead to a Meaningful Career
Learning what education administration entails and gaining expertise in the field is a great way to advance your education career. Educators who acquire knowledge and skills by attending graduate school have the opportunity to make lasting contributions and achieve positive student outcomes.
If you have an interest in education administration, explore the Notre Dame de Namur University MA in School Administration degree program to find out how it can help you achieve your career goals. Tailored to the needs of students working in schools and school districts, the program offers options to study in person, online, or hybrid formats. Take your next step with NDNU by filling out the form below.
Recommended Readings
Deciding on the Best Master’s in Education Programs
Master of Arts vs. Master of Science: What’s the Difference?
What Are the Pros and Cons of a Master’s Degree in Education?
Sources:
American Profession Guide, Key Responsibilities of a School Administrator in the US
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, School Administrator Overview
CareerExplorer, Education Degree Overview
CareerExplorer, How to Become a Middle School Principal
EBSCO, Education Administrator
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Postsecondary Education Administrators
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Preschool and Childcare Center Directors