Education Administration Jobs

Administration jobs are essential at every level of education. In any educational institution, from day care and preschool up to college and university, educational administrators keep the organization running smoothly. Education administration jobs cover a wide range of areas, depending on the institution and the job title of the administration.

Administration Jobs: Roles and Responsibilities

Education administrators' responsibilities are varied and include:
  • counseling students
  • creating policies and procedures to help organizations run smoothly
  • directing programs for any institutions that provide instruction, such as museums and prisons
  • managing relations with parents
  • managing daily activities
  • preparing budgets
  • training and supervising staff.
In some places, a single administrator may handle all the roles, while in others they may be parceled out among a large team of administrators.
 
The requirements of jobs in administration may change depending on the administrator's role and title. Principals manage elementary, middle and high schools. They are responsible for the academic standards of the school, as well as staff management, training, budgeting and student programs.
 
Assistant principals may help with some of these roles but may also be involved in class scheduling, ordering school supplies (including textbooks), student discipline and curriculum development. Other educational administrators work centrally, overseeing a number of schools in a given area.
 
Other titles for jobs in administration, especially in higher education, include:
  • dean (either academic or student affairs)
  • department head
  • director of admissions
  • provost/chief academic officer.

Getting Education Administration Jobs

Education administration jobs have become key career paths for teachers and others seeking advancement. Those who want to take a greater role in ensuring their school's success and who enjoy having a high level of responsibility and decision-making power usually find success in these jobs.
 
Good candidates should have strong skills in time management, problem solving, interpersonal relations, business savvy and adaptability. Organization, confidence, determination and innovativeness are also important qualities in an educational administrator.
 
The qualifications for education administrative careers vary depending on the institution and state requirements. Many administrators start out as teachers and then move into an administrative role. Since teachers already have the necessary academic and state teaching qualifications, they usually need to earn a master's or doctoral degree in one of the following fields to become qualified for a role in administration:
  • college student affairs
  • counseling
  • education administration
  • educational leadership
  • higher education administration.
In colleges and universities, those seeking academic leadership positions usually already have postgraduate degrees and may not require further qualifications. Educational administrators need to complete the relevant licensing requirements for their state and may have to undergo on-the-job training.

Earnings and Prospects

The median annual salaries for educational administrators in 2006 ranged from $37,740 for preschool administrators to $77,740 for elementary and secondary school administrators.
 
The number of jobs in education administration is expected to grow by about 12 percent by 2016, with more jobs becoming available because of the increasing autonomy of individual schools. Prospects are particularly good for principals and vice principals. Enrollment is also expected to increase at preschool and university level, creating additional opportunities in these areas.
 
 
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