Having a career in education leadership means holding a top-level position for setting policy and leading an organization’s success. This guide details the most common jobs in PK-12, post-secondary, and private settings, as well as their salaries and employment outlook as presented by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Preschool Administration
While all education leadership jobs are expected to grow at least as much as the national average, preschool and early childhood development programs will experience a slightly higher demand. The directors of preschools and childcare centers oversee daily activities, personnel administration, staff development, and local, state, and national regulatory assessments. Because these schools tend to be smaller, educational leaders in this category may work alone much of the time.
Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, and states may mandate additional training and certifications before a person can manage a preschool or childcare center. The most common credentials are the Child Development Associate (CDA) and National Administration director credential.
Elementary and Secondary School Administration
The three main categories of K-12 school administration involve principals, assistant principals, and school district administrators.
Principals
Principals at elementary, middle, and high schools are responsible for the academic success of the students. They hire teachers and staff, help teachers develop curricula, set and evaluate performance goals, and establish processes and procedures. Principals also work with the community and act as liaisons with school district officials.
While some private school principals may operate with only a bachelor’s degree, most public schools require a master’s degree or doctorate in education leadership. States set additional standards for licensure, which is commonly aligned with the standards established by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC).
The salary range for principals tends to increase with the age of the students. As of 2008, elementary school principals could expect to earn around $86,000 annually, while junior high and senior high school principals had averaged $91,000 and $97,000 respectively. Salaries depend on public or private employment, the location of the school, and the financial strength of the district.
Assistant Principals
While principals are thought of as the academic head of an elementary, middle, or high school, assistant principals are often in charge of day-to-day operations. Assistant principals typically schedule classes, order textbooks, oversee transportation and food service duties, coordinate maintenance, and administer student discipline. In recent years, assistant principals have taken on more academic and assessment duties traditionally under the purview of principals.
As with principal positions, assistant principals can expect to earn greater salaries at the high school level than at the elementary school level. On average, elementary assistant principals average about $71,000 annually, compared with $76,000 for middle school assistant principals and $79,000 for assistant principals in a high school setting.
Superintendents and District Administration
At the school district level, superintendents are tasked with setting policies, preparing budgets, submitting state and federal reports, interacting with the school board and public, overseeing curriculum, and facilitating the development of students, teachers, and staff. Some district oversight is delegated to people in other high-level education leadership jobs, who direct subject-area programs, oversee career counseling, or administer testing.
Most employees who move into district administration jobs already have teaching experience and the requisite master’s degree. Salaries vary based on the district’s enrollment, the state or metropolitan area, and the role of the specific administrator.
College-Level Careers
Degrees in education leadership can also prepare candidates for positions at post-secondary institutions. These jobs offer a range of career opportunities, including provosts and chief academic officers, academic deans and chairpersons, and directors of admissions, registration, student life, financial aid, or athletics. Employment may occur at community colleges, public universities, or private schools.
Most people employed as college administrators hold a Ph.D. or Ed.D., but a relevant graduate degree may be sufficient for some positions. The majority of education leaders at this level earn salaries between $59,000 and $114,000.
Independent Education Leadership Careers
Finally, a number of education leadership careers occur outside of schools. Examples involve educational research, government oversight, and even not-for-profit advocacy groups. These positions may allow a person to establish a consulting practice or work for an employer and make a difference in the lives of children and adults. The minimum level of education required for employment varies by industry and by company.
This category of “all other” positions is expected to grow the fastest of any education leadership careers. From 2008 to 2018, this field is likely to see a 24% increase in positions, although the number of jobs available will still be relatively small. The mean annual salary for these positions is $81,870 nationally.
Overall, education leadership jobs are readily available across the nation. Anyone looking to make a difference should gain the necessary credentials and apply today.