Of all the different professionals working in the education landscape, those in leadership have the potential to have the greatest impact on students and teachers alike. Educational leaders include principals, district administrators, assistant principals and supervisors, all of whom have an opportunity to make a significant, lasting difference in their schools.
Having this positive impact is just one reason why an education professional might pursue the online Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership (With New Jersey Certifications) program through William Paterson University (WP). Students who successfully finish the program coursework, complete an internship and pass the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) can also qualify for the New Jersey Principal Certificate of Eligibility (Endorsement 0200), provided they hold other required experience and certification requirements.
What Is Educational Leadership?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to educational leadership, but successful school and university leaders do share some common qualities. According to High5, individuals who practice educational leadership ensure that each person involved in their school, college or other educational organization is safe and comfortable. “Educational leaders recognize that there is talent in everyone. Their job is to harness that talent, and not push their pupils beyond their comfort levels,” High5 explains.
That said, educational leaders must also remember their ultimate goal is to ensure students succeed academically and walk away from their educational experience with positive outcomes. Effective educational leadership requires the capacity to make important practical decisions like hiring teachers, establishing curricula and monitoring an organization’s budget, according to Indeed.
What Can I Do With a Master’s in Educational Leadership?
How a leader approaches their responsibilities can make a substantial difference in students’ lives and in the surrounding community, as those in educational leadership roles can promote diverse, inclusive lesson plans and establish positive relationships with local families. Indeed also notes that educational leaders are in an ideal position to support the staff working under them, which can have a positive influence on organizational culture as a whole.
“Administrators are often responsible for creating a safe working environment for teachers, custodians and cafeteria employees,” according to Indeed. “They also provide staff with the resources they require to complete their duties. For instance, a principal might find the funds for the custodial team to purchase new supplies.”
Educational Leadership Benefits
Beyond contributing to positive outcomes for students, pursuing WP’s online MEd in Educational Leadership (With New Jersey Certification) program pays dividends for an educator’s career. Educational leaders often have a high earning potential and good prospects for advancement. According to Payscale, the average base salary for someone with an MEd in educational leadership is $65,000. Common job opportunities for graduates include principal, assistant principal, district administrator, and dean of students and faculty.
The skills learned in educational leadership are also transferable, giving program graduates flexibility in their future career paths. According to Indeed, the empathy and problem-solving skills learned by educational leaders might, for example, prepare someone for a career in human resources. The management and budget experience many administrators gain is good preparation for a pivot to entrepreneurship.
Advantages of an Advanced Degree in Educational Leadership
An MEd in Educational Leadership has many personal and professional benefits. The degree prepares individuals for careers that can help them improve not only their lives but also the lives of others. WP’s program sets graduates up for success beyond their degree, like earning the New Jersey Principal Certificate of Eligibility (Endorsement 0200).
For those interested in fostering employee and student success, creating inclusive learning environments, and developing and implementing an organizational vision and mission, studying educational leadership is more than worth it.
Learn more about WP’s online MEd in Educational Leadership (With New Jersey Certifications) program.
