The types of jobs in educational leadership are diverse and also demanding. As explained below, there are positions available in every type of educational system and institution.
Assistant Principal
A common entry-level educational leadership job is assistant principal. They have a long list of managerial responsibilities, including policy enforcement and meeting coordination. They perform standard HR duties through hiring, training and supervising teachers in all disciplines. Assistant principals often provide informal feedback and formal teacher evaluations. They work one-on-one with teachers to introduce effective teaching strategies that complement the diverse learning styles and backgrounds of students. Assistant principals play an active role in fostering an atmosphere of creativity and collaboration among students and faculty. They also support technology integration into classrooms and learning experiences. Assistant principals must maintain visibility and accessibility in the school as they communicate with students, parents and faculty.
Assessment Specialist
An assessment specialist is an educational professional who specializes in academic data analyses and reporting. Assessment specialists regularly complete quantitative analyses of academic based data regarding class dynamics, resource usage and student and teacher performances. They must elaborate and refine processes for analyzing data and responding to the results. They regularly consult with leaders and staff regarding data outcomes and interpretations. In order to effectively communicate with others, they create visually friendly charts, graphs and presentations. They work with IT professionals to streamline data monitoring and acquisition processes. Assessment specialists usually have a background in statistics, psychology and educational leadership. They must have flawless attention to detail and accuracy with the ability to work independently on simultaneous projects.
Academic Advisor
An academic advisor’s primary role is to provide students with individual counseling sessions. Their goal is to enhance the student’s engagement in their major and with the school. Academic advisors work with hundreds of students by guiding them through the academic admissions and enrollment process, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They regularly refer students to appropriate classes, departments, programs, faculty and learning resources. They must have a strong technical background because many academic processes are completed online. They also work with students experiencing academic difficulties. They ensure that ensure that students stay on track with the academic and professional requirements of their program of study.
Executive Director
Not all types of jobs in educational leadership are in public schools. Private and charter schools are led by executive directors, who are considered to be a type of educational CEO. Executive directors are leaders, mentors and facilitators. They establish and maintain positive public relations with staff, students, parents and the community through effective communication. They are the official liaison with other schools, districts, the Department of Education and other relevant agencies. They provide educational leadership through observing and supervising all certified teachers on a regular basis. They also control the development and monitoring of curriculum based on things like the state assessment requirements and the Common Core State Standards. Finally, they ensure that staff and students are equitably treated according to established policies and procedures.
Related Resource: 15 Cheapest Online Programs in Educational Leadership and Administration
There are many more types of jobs in educational leadership available, such as curriculum coach, assistant professor and college dean.
