Education Administrator
An education administrator is a professional responsible for overseeing and coordinating various aspects of educational institutions, including primary and secondary schools, as well as colleges and universities. They hold positions such as school principals, superintendents, deans, and directors, and their primary duties involve managing academic programs, faculty and staff administration, and financial operations. To excel in this role, education administrators are typically required to possess a master's degree in education administration or a related field, along with several years of relevant experience.
The work environment for education administrators varies widely; they may spend their days in offices or actively engaging with students and staff throughout educational settings. Strong leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills are essential, as these professionals regularly interact with diverse groups, including students, parents, and community stakeholders. Daily responsibilities can include developing guidelines and policies, maintaining safety standards, managing budgets, and evaluating teaching performance. The role also involves adapting to changing educational trends and regulations, making education administrators key figures in shaping the learning environment and outcomes for students. Despite the demanding nature of the job, it offers the opportunity to significantly impact the educational experience and success of students.
Education Administrator
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Education & Training
Interests: Being a leader, making decisions, solving problems, working with students
Earnings (Yearly Median): $103,460 per year
Employment & Outlook: 1% (Little or no change)
Entry-Level Education Master's degree
Related Work Experience 5 years or more
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Education administrators occupy positions such as that of school principal, school superintendent, college dean or provost, academic director, guidance director, athletic director, and special education director. Primary and secondary schools, both public and private, as well as colleges and universities, hire education administrators to plan and coordinate all areas of school operation, including academics, management of faculty and staff, facilities maintenance and construction, and financial administration. Education administrators are trained in educational leadership and decision-making. They are responsible for ensuring the smooth and successful functioning of schools and education programs.
Work Environment. Education administrators spend their workdays in a wide variety of public and private educational settings, including preschools, elementary schools, secondary schools, school district central offices, colleges, and universities. Administrators such as principals and deans may have a fixed office where they perform their administrative duties. Other education administrators, such as assistant principals, may work in a more hands-on capacity throughout their workday, visiting classrooms and supervising lunch and recess activities. Given the diverse demands of the education administration profession, education administrators may need to work days, evenings, weekends, and on-call hours to meet school or program needs.
Occupation Interest. Education administrators tend to be intelligent and charismatic, able to quickly assess situations, find resources, demonstrate caring, and solve problems. Those most successful at the job of education administration display leadership, responsibility, effective time management, knowledge of human behavior, initiative, and concern for individuals and society. Communication skills are essential for success in this profession. Education administrators should enjoy spending time with a wide range of people from diverse cultural, social, and educational backgrounds.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The education administrator’s specific daily occupational duties and responsibilities vary by job specialization and school or program size. In larger educational settings, there are usually many specialized education administrators, while in a smaller program or preschool, one administrator may handle responsibilities across multiple disciplines.
Education administrators who oversee academics and operations in elementary, middle, and high schools have a great deal of interaction with and influence over students, teachers, staff, and the wider community. They develop and enforce student guidelines and policies on attendance, truancy, dress, speech, and behavior. They are charged with ensuring that school facilities and equipment are safe for student use and comply with relevant laws and regulations. They are also responsible for creating and maintaining budget plans with the input of school staff, families, and community.
Department heads and other education administrators meet with teachers to set and revise the curriculum in response to trends in education theory and changes in government education standards. To ensure high-quality education for their students, education administrators must also perform annual teaching evaluations and assessment, meeting with teachers to discuss their performance and goals. As part of the effort to achieve educational excellence, education administrators may lead professional development and continuing education activities for school staff. Depending on their specific role, they may also meet with parents to discuss student behavior, performance, and academic goals.
In postsecondary institutions, education administrators may specialize in academic departments, admissions, residential or campus life, financial aid, or athletics. As they gain experience, these education administrators may attain higher positions, such as director, dean, or provost, with greater responsibility and prestige. Many postsecondary education administrators influence school policies, budgets, and curriculum, as do their counterparts in primary and secondary education; however, college and university administrators generally have less direct contact with students and student families.
In addition, all education administrators are responsible for completing required documentation, such as accident, incident, or grievance reports, on a daily basis. They must also communicate the school’s goals, activities, and performance to community stakeholders through press releases and all-community school events.
Principals. Principals direct and coordinate the educational, administrative, and counseling activities of elementary, junior high or high schools.
Vocational Training Directors. Vocational Training Directors supervise and coordinate vocational training programs according to board of education policies and state education code.
Education Supervisors. Education Supervisors develop program curriculum, evaluate teaching techniques, and supervise and assist in the hiring and in-service training of teachers.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Education administrators work in different environments depending on their specialization and place of employment. They typically spend their workdays in the central offices of various public and private educational institutions, which may include preschools, elementary schools, secondary schools, school districts, colleges, and universities.
Human Environment. Education administrators interact with a wide variety of people and should be comfortable meeting with colleagues, staff, teachers, students, student families, community stakeholders, and members of the press.
Technological Environment. Education administrators must be comfortable using computers to access student records, develop budget spreadsheets, and contact staff and student families. Education administrators use smartphones to ensure availability in case of student or school-related emergencies. While the role of an education administrator involves considerable human interaction, much of the day is spent behind a computer.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in pursuing a career as an education administrator should prepare themselves by developing good study habits. High school level study of foreign languages, education, sociology, and psychology can provide a strong foundation for college-level study in the field. Interested high school students should secure internships or part-time work opportunities that expose them to diverse groups, education programs, and leadership opportunities.
Postsecondary. A master’s degree in education administration or a related subject is the minimum educational requirement for education administrators. Postsecondary students interested in becoming education administrators should earn a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field. These programs typically offer courses in education, counseling, psychology, and foreign languages. Postsecondary students can gain work experience and potential advantage in their future job searches by securing internships or part-time employment as teachers or education program coordinators.
Related Occupations
− Postsecondary Education Administrators
− School and Career Counselors
− Secondary & Middle School Teacher
Bibliography
“Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm. Accessed 25 Aug. 2024.
“Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: 11-9032 Education Administrators, Kindergarten Through Secondary.” Occupational Employment Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes119032.htm. Accessed 25 Aug. 2024.