Job Description - Salary, Education and Career Guide for Becoming a School District Administrator

After years in the classroom, many teachers wish to pursue education administration positions. These positions provide variety for teachers, as well as the opportunities to create and alter school policies. A school district administrator is just one of many rewarding administrative positions. School district administrators play active roles in the school system, as well as in the community.

Job Description

A school district administrator handles a variety of functions for the schools he or she supervises. Some of the responsibilities of school district administration include:
  • creating of budgets and productive learning environments
  • interacting with employees, parents and students
  • managing employees to ensure that schools run smoothly
  • managing records
  • organizing student services
  • representing schools in a positive way
  • setting high academic standards in order to meet state and national educational requirements
  • training of new staff members.
Most school district administration jobs are offered in educational institutions or school district offices. However, many school district administrators also lend their services to community and nonprofit organizations and government agencies.
 
A position in school district administration can be demanding because of the heavy responsibility, but when managed properly, it can also be a very rewarding experience.

Salary Guide

The average school district administrator salary is $73,990 in postsecondary school systems. For those working at elementary and secondary schools, the average school district administrator salary is $77,740. Administrators of preschool and child-care centers earn an average of $37,740 annually. In addition to competitive salaries, school district administrators enjoy extended vacations and health benefits.
 
Salary is dependent upon the size of the institution, a person's educational background and experience, and the location of the facility.
 
The job market in school district administration is growing. Many people who currently hold these positions are expected to retire within 10 years. This situation will leave many available positions to be filled by qualified individuals.

Education and Training

In order to work as a school district administrator, a master's or doctorate degree in education administration and supervision is required. The coursework helps students develop the skills to handle leadership positions within school districts and communities, as well as various technical tasks associated with the position. Many school district administrators also have teaching experience or education backgrounds.
 
A person seeking school district administration jobs must also be licensed by the state, which includes evaluation and examinations. They must also successfully pass a background check because they will be working closely with children. To be a successful school district administrator, strong interpersonal and time-management skills are a must.

Prior Work Experience

If you are interested in becoming a school district administrator, it helps to have extensive work experience with in the educational field. Previous jobs in teaching and individual school administration provide an excellent background for school district administration.

Career Advancement

School district administrators may advance by transferring to larger or more prestigious districts. They may also move into positions such as academic deans of universities or university department heads.

Related Associations and Groups

For more information about school district administrator jobs, you may want to contact:
  • American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
  • American Association of School Administrators
  • The Educational Leadership Constituent Council.

 

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