Educational administrators help manage our nation’s education system by providing guidance, oversight and support. These administrators work to advance both educational leadership and academic achievement.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics {http://www.bls.gov/}, there were 230,000 educational administrators in 2014. By 2022, this number is expected to grow by 15 percent in the postsecondary sector and by six percent in elementary, middle and high schools.
The various educational institutions at which they work include:
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Preschools/Daycare Centers
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Primary and Secondary Schools and School Districts (both public and private)
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Trade Schools
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Colleges and Universities
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Charter Schools
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Alternative Schools
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Libraries
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Museums
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Corporations
Job Opportunities
Educational administrators develop, amend and implement curriculum, work with teachers, students and parents, write proposals and grant requests, work with school boards, plan and oversee school budgets, manage the operational aspects of the education system, work with human relations departments, hire and supervise educators, devise and enforce disciplinary procedures and analyze and implement federal, state and local regulations.
These tasks are addressed by individuals who hold numerous positions within the field of educational administration. Some of these positions include:
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Preschool and Daycare Administrators
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School Principals, Vice Principals and Assistant Principals
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Private School Deans
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Superintendents
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Admissions Directors
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College and University Presidents
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Department Heads
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Chief Academic Officers
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Elected School Board Members
The individuals who fill these positions work tirelessly to improve our nation’s education system and to keep it competitive. Their invaluable work has wide-reaching impact. A school principal or superintendent’s vision and tone affect an entire community. Through their work, these administrators can bring communities together for the betterment of our nation’s youth.
The breath of an individual’s responsibility may depend on the size of the institution at which they work. Preschool administrators may be a team of one, whereas university department heads are part of a much larger network of employees.
Job Functions and Skillsets
Regardless of an educational administrator’s specific job title, there are certain nonnegotiable skills they all possess. For instance, all educational administrators are expected to have prior teaching experience. This experience is critical as these individuals work closely with teachers, develop and amend curriculum and evaluate and select standardized testing options. Standardized tests and assessments play an increasingly significant role in our students’ educational plan. Administrators and teachers work together to ensure that class lessons align with their state’s standardized tests. Prior teaching experience also helps administrators effectively address the varying needs of a diverse student body and staff.
Strong analytical skills help administrators accurately examine and follow federal, state and local regulations. These skills are also called upon when managing a school district’s budget and preparing annual financial reports.
While the educational administration profession can be laden with paperwork, it also requires significant human interaction. Administrators not only work with teachers, students and parents, they also field questions from school board members, community groups and alumni. Administrators must frequently call upon their problem-solving skills to adequately address the needs of this diverse group.
Educational administrators and teachers are integral to the success of our education system. The impact of their work is not merely theoretical, but rather is experienced each and every day by our nation’s youth.
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