Education is one of the primary pillars of any thriving society. Entering this profession attracts a great deal of respect and gratitude. The opportunity to shape young minds by mentoring and training them is a responsibility that only qualified individuals must hold. Education administration is a vital field that plays a significant role in shaping the education system. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities in postsecondary education administration will grow by 7% from 2021 to 2031, as fast as the average for most occupations.
This growth attributes to the increasing enrollment in schools and the need for administrators to manage the day-to-day operations.
This blog will discuss some of the most promising career paths you can pursue with an education administration degree and the opportunities available in each.
1. School Principal
A school principal heads the school administration and is responsible for all its operations ranging from staff management, organizing the school’s budget, managing the expenses and income, and setting a code of conduct for the students to maintain discipline.
To secure the position of a principal at a school, you can enroll in an online school administration degree to accelerate your career growth. You will have the advantage of learning at your pace and acquire the skill set required to meet the growing demands of the education system at each level.
According to the BLS, elementary, middle and high school principals earn a median annual salary of $98,420 with a job growth rate of 5%. You can expect around 14,200 new available school principal positions until 2031. However, you would require a 5-year relevant experiences in the education field. Employers or the school boards typically prefer an experienced and qualified teacher to become the principal. Therefore, if you already work in this field, you can expect a promotion to the post of principal with a master’s degree in education administration.
2. Dean
A Dean is a senior-level administrator who oversees a college or university’s academic and administrative functions. Deans manage academic departments, develop and implement policies, oversee budgets, and collaborate with faculty, students, and other stakeholders to promote educational excellence.
With an education administration degree, you can pursue a career as a Dean in various settings, including public and private colleges and universities, community colleges, and technical schools. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Deans is $96,910, with an hourly rate of $46.95.
The job outlook for postsecondary education administrators is 7% from 2021 to 2031, which is as fast as the average for most occupations. You can expect around 15,500 new positions during this period. However, you would need a master’s degree in education administration with relevant work experience, preferably in administrative offices like the dean’s or registrar’s office.
3. Superintendent
A Superintendent is a top-level administrator who oversees the operations of all the schools within a school district. Superintendents manage budgets, implement policies, supervise staff, and ensure students receive a high-quality education.
With an education administration degree, you can pursue a career as a Superintendent in a public or private school district. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for education administrators, including Superintendents, was $98,490 in 2021, growing by 10% yearly. This growth is due to the increasing demand for administrators to manage the growing number of schools and students.
They also act as intermediaries between the government, the local community and the schools. Superintendents are also responsible for requesting resources from the government or arranging private donations for schools. They also act as leaders and supervisors of the administrative and teaching staff of the schools and provide training if required.
4. Chief Academic Officer
A Chief Academic Officer (CAO) holds the highest education administrative position and oversees the academic operations of a school or educational institution. They are responsible for developing and implementing academic programs, supervising curriculum development, managing instructional technology, and promoting educational excellence.
With an education administration degree, you can pursue a career as a CAO in various educational settings, including K-12 schools, colleges, and universities. As the role of technology in education continues to expand, the demand for qualified CAOs is on the rise. The CAO’s job is to introduce the latest and most appropriate learning technologies to improve the quality of education. You can expect to learn about teaching technologies during your educational program.
According to Indeed.com, the national average salary for CAOs in the US is $105,251 and continues to grow by 10% until 2031. As schools and educational institutions strive to improve academic outcomes, the role of CAOs will become increasingly important in ensuring that students receive a high-quality education.
5. President
A President at a college or university is one of the most prestigious and sought-after positions in education administration. As the top-level executive, they are responsible for the institution’s overall strategic planning and direction, managing budgets, fundraising, and fostering relationships with stakeholders, including alumni and the community.
With an education administration degree, you can pursue a career as a President. This position requires exceptional leadership skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and an unwavering commitment to academic excellence. Aspiring presidents must possess a keen understanding of the complexities of higher education and the ability to navigate a rapidly changing landscape.
According to Indeed.com, the average national annual salary for college and university presidents is $112,826, with an increase in job outlook of 5% until 2031. Competition for president positions is typically high, and candidates must have a proven record of accomplishment to secure them.
Conclusion
A career in education administration can be an excellent choice for those looking to make a meaningful impact on the education system. The field offers various career paths, including School Principals, Deans, Superintendents, Chief Academic Officers, and College and University Presidents. As the demand for qualified education administrators grows, career advancement and professional development opportunities are abundant.
Aspiring administrators must possess strong leadership skills, excellent communication skills, and a dedication to academic excellence. By pursuing a career in education administration, individuals can play a crucial role in shaping the future of education and the opportunities available to students.
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