School Administrator Training & Education
School administrators—particularly principals—usually begin their careers as teachers, and prepare for the shift into administration by completing a Master’s degree in education or a related field. However, school counselors and other social workers usually obtain degrees related to their core functions—counseling and psychology— rather than education, and do not usually have teaching experience.
A Master’s degree is the minimum requirement for the majority of these positions. In most states, principals must also obtain a license, which may include requirements for a Master’s degree, an examination, and on-the-job training. Additionally, counselors and social workers also have licensing requirements.
School Administrator Career & Salary Outlook
Principals typically earn between $75,000 and $85,000, while salaries for other administrative positions range between $45,000 and $75,000. As with most government positions, pay is often related to cost of living: teachers in urban schools will likely make more than those in rural districts. Career outlook for administrative careers in schools is good, and these career areas are expected to grow at an average rate over the next five to seven years, according to the US Department of Labor. The fastest rates of growth are expected in rural and urban areas; however these geographical locations often offer slightly lower salaries than suburban locations. Growth in this industry is tied to demographics, so while demand is expected to grow through 2014, growth may slow as the demographic bulge passes.
Career Fields/Specializations
School Principal Career
School principals are the administrators who manage elementary, middle and high schools. They are responsible for hiring and managing staff, working with teachers to develop the school’s curriculum, reviewing teaching methods and staff skills, and setting goals and objectives for the school. They work closely with other members of the staff, including both teachers and other administrators.
School principals are also responsible for preparing budgets and reports, ensuring that the school meets state and national academic standards, and planning and supervising a wide range of other activities such as repairs and additions to the school.
School principals should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with students, their parents, and with staff. They should also have excellent administrative skills and leadership abilities, with confidence, good judgment and motivation, and the ability to motivate others.
School Counselor Career
School counselors (also known as guidance counselors) are involved with facilitating student development in a variety of areas, including personal, social, academic and career development. They are typically most involved with personal, social and behavioral aspects of student development, providing support for students who may have problems with peer pressure, bullying, academic pressure and similar issues.
In addition to working with students, school counselors will often work:
- With Other Teachers
- Administrators
- With the Parents of their Students
School counselors should have patience, compassion and the ability to inspire trust in their students, as well as excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Academic Advisor Career
Academic advisors are administrators who assist students with their academic careers in addition to helping them make post-secondary plans. They will evaluate each student they meet with, assessing their interests, achievements and abilities to help them determine what career choices are most suitable for them. They also provide information to students about careers they are interested in, and help them create short-term and long-term plans and set goals to help them achieve at school and in the future.
School Social Worker Career
School social workers play an important role in helping students overcome personal and social problems that may have causes at school, at home or elsewhere. They provide support to students and their families, while working closely with other members of school staff and community agencies outside the school for families with particular needs.
The school social worker’s job involves meeting with students, families and school staff to determine the nature of student problems, and then to develop solutions that will provide the necessary support to the student and their family. They may also run workshops or classes for students to help them develop social skills, and may be involved in some aspects of school policy-making.
School social workers should be patient, compassionate and sensitive to the needs of students and their families. They should have excellent written and verbal communication skills, listening skills, and interpersonal skills. They should also have a certain amount of determination, and the willingness to work with students who may be particularly challenging.
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