Individuals in educational leadership roles set the tone for their schools — even their entire district — on a day-to-day basis. Experienced teachers with an advanced degree in educational leadership typically secure positions as principals, curriculum designers or superintendents. These valued education professionals possess a unique combination of practical experience, administrative savvy and theoretical understanding that allows them to empower their staff, drive student success and transform the communities they serve.
Responsibilities for Educational Leadership Positions
Educational leaders, like principals or superintendents, typically begin their careers as teachers to gain a strong understanding of how to shape student success. Once they have gained some valuable, relevant experience, they can pursue an advanced degree in educational leadership that will qualify them for advancement. As leaders in their schools or districts, they will oversee everything from budgetary to curricular policies for their organizations. These leaders are also tasked with the following responsibilities:
- Monitoring the budget of a school or district
- Working to improve student morale or engagement
- Establishing clear lines of communication with community leaders
- Ensuring that students meet, or surpass, established learning outcomes
- Gauging the effectiveness of curricula and suggesting changes when necessary
Valuable Resources for Educational Leaders
Thriving in an educational leadership position is no simple task. Principals and superintendents must make complex decisions daily. While this may sound challenging, there are ample resources available to leaders seeking to instill a culture of success in their organizations. The Institute for Educational Leadership can provide valuable information in many areas of interest, including:
- Advocating for students with disabilities
- Improving family engagement
- Fostering a growth mindset in students
- Encouraging career planning or development
Exciting Careers for Graduates with Advanced Degrees in Educational Leadership
There are many exciting opportunities available to individuals with the right blend of practical experience and academic training. In New Jersey, educational leadership positions are financially appealing and offer candidates the opportunity to make a difference in their communities.
- Principal (average yearly salary: $121,958)
Principals oversee nearly every facet of their schools. They make hiring decisions, enforce discipline and interact with community partners. Some of their other duties include:
- Observe teachers and offer constructive criticism
- Review and report on student exam data
- Establish emergency protocols
- Ensure opportunities for professional development among staff members
- Superintendent (average yearly salary: $184,048)
Superintendents are some of the most influential members of a particular school district. They could be considered the president or CEO of their organizations. Their responsibilities include:
- Act as a liaison between the school board and the district’s schools
- Determine the most effective use of the district’s resources
- Make employment decisions regarding principals and other administrative roles within the district’s schools
- Advocate on behalf of the district for legislative purposes
- Advance the mission of the school board
- Instructional Design Coordinator (average yearly salary: $78,023)
Think of instructional design coordinators as experts in what and how information is taught to learners in school. This position is ideal for experienced teachers who have a desire to lead and a passion for curriculum and lesson planning. Other duties include:
- Selecting new textbooks or educational materials
- Mentoring teachers on new instructional techniques
- Identifying emerging technologies for classroom integration
- Organizing teacher workshops or conferences
- Dean of Students (average yearly salary: $115,585)
A dean of students (DOS) usually works at a college or university. This person’s specific responsibilities differ depending on the institution, but the DOS is typically involved in coordinating student-focused programming. Additional responsibilities may include the following:
- Responding to student needs or emergencies
- Increasing student engagement on campus
- Overseeing the disciplinary process for students in violation of campus policies
- Identifying students who are in need and creating support programs
- Advocating on behalf of all students
Effective leadership is vital to the overall success of a school, its students and, to a large extent, the greater community. Exceptional leaders in education can help students and teachers meet, or surpass, their academic and professional goals. Experienced teachers who aspire to leadership positions can develop the skills to secure roles as a principal or superintendent through an advanced degree in educational leadership.
Learn more about the online William Paterson University’s online Master of Education in Educational Leadership (With New Jersey Certifications) program.
