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School Administrator: How to Become a School Administrator

Published Aug 28, 2009

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If you like children and want to be responsible for the daily operations of an organization, you should consider work as a School Administrator. School principals, assistant principals and deans are all considered School Administrators, and there are many other career options in the field. Advanced degrees are usually necessary for School Administrators, making this an excellent career for those interested in learning more about education.

School Administrator Career Summary

School Administrators are generally responsible for the day-to-day operations of school systems and educational institutions like elementary, middle and high schools. Jobs like headmaster, principal, vice principal, special education director and school superintendent are all considered School Administrator positions. Though most School Administrators focus on tasks like interacting with parents, setting student and teacher performance goals, providing guidance to delinquent students, approving new educational programs and overseeing teachers, the specific responsibilities of a School Administrator will vary by job.

Education Required to Become a School Administrator

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most School Administrators begin their careers as teachers before moving to the administrative side of education, so School Administrators often have education degrees. Some School Administrators are recruited from other jobs and have degrees in other areas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that most School Administrator jobs require applicants to have a master's or doctorate degree in education or a related discipline (www.bls.gov).

Job Training and Certification Required to Become a School Administrator

Because it is common for School Administrators to begin their careers in education, on-the-job training is not necessarily available for new School Administrators, though this will vary by employer. Most School Administrators, including elementary, middle, and high school principals, are required to become licensed School Administrators by their state of residence. The credentials required for School Administrator licenses vary by state, but graduate degrees are a common requirement.

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