School administrators must have a master’s degree or above, and they are licensed by the state where they work. They spend their days developing and managing budgets. These professionals also spend time developing programs making their staffs more professional. Depending on the level, they may advise and evaluate teachers while focusing on helping them improve. They are often in charge of hiring new staff. If you are interested in becoming a school administrator, then consider these five jobs.
1. Superintendent of Schools Administrator
The superintendent of schools works to carry out the vision of the school board. This school administrator spends much of his day interacting with other government agencies to carry out regulations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They are responsible for hiring key personnel within the district. This school administrator must constantly focus on the budget needs of the district. They often spend part of their time sharing with the news media good news about their districts and answering questions from the media. Depending on the size of the district, they may be expected to help with security at major school events. These professionals usually have at least a master’s degree in educational administration or educational leadership.
2. Special Education School Administrator
The individual who is the director of special education constantly focuses on implementing programs allowing students with special needs to be taught in the least restrictive environment. They are responsible for planning and implementing programs allowing special needs students to be as successful as possible after graduation. At the same time, they must worry about the budget. These school administrators are usually responsible for hiring and supervising special education teachers. They may also interact with parents especially during individual student planning meetings. Most hold a master’s degree in special education and are required to be licensed by the state as a school administrator.
3. Curriculum School Administrator
The curriculum school administrator helps choose the curriculum that their school uses while making sure that they are in line with state regulations. State boards of education pass rules and it is this administrator’s job to see that students are prepared to meet those regulations. This person is also charged with developing remedial programs when schools fail to meet state standards. They also work to develop innovative ideas to address particular problems within their school districts. These individuals who have often taught for many years also serve as a resource person. They often work with new teachers helping them feel more comfortable in the classroom. Most of these individuals hold a master’s in education and are licensed to be a school administrator.
4. School Business Administrator
The school business administrator is responsible for the fiscal services within the school district. They are also responsible for seeing that all properties belonging to the district are properly maintained. Furthermore, they are charged with overseeing the school’s transportation system. The person in this job is often responsible for the school’s feeding program. Often they are responsible for hiring, supervising and evaluating all non-certified staff in a school district. Qualifications for this job vary by state, but most hold a master’s degree in business while taking additional courses focusing on education.
5. Principal School Administrator
When people think back on their own school careers, they often think of a building principal who made an impact on their lives. Principals are held responsible by the superintendent for everything that happens in their buildings. They often interact with students who have behavior issues along with parents who have concerns about their child’s education. Principals usually hire, supervise and evaluate teachers working in their buildings. Most principals are licensed to teach in their state, and many have completed a master’s degree program in educational leadership or education administration. Many have been successful classroom teachers.
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These top school administrators are the central team required to run school systems efficiently. They are held responsible by the school board who is responsible to the voters in their community. Most school administrators must have at least a master’s degree. Additionally, they must have a license in most states which may require them to pass a state test. Many started out as classroom teachers and went back to gain further education while still teaching.