Education Administrator Salary – Principal, Assistant Principal, and Director

There are several different levels of education administration. Those who work in early childhood earned a median yearly salary of about $39,000 per year. Those in early childhood education that fell into the middle group earned between $31,000 to $54,000 per year. The lowest earners in this category made $25,000 or less per year. The highest earners made more than $77,000 per year. In May 2008, a wage survey showed that elementary school administrators earned a median salary of $82,000 per year. Education Administrators that fall within the middle percentile tend to earn salaries between $68,000 and $102,000 per year. Lower salaries were $55,000 or less per year. Those in top salary brackets earned more than $120,000 per year.*

*According to the BLS,

Education Administrators Job Description and Outlook

Education Administrators are responsible for the smooth running of the school. These professionals must make important decisions everyday that influence the education of school children. They are in charge of making policy decisions that affect many aspects of the education process. The policies that are implemented by the administrator impact the curriculum. For example, an education administrator can determine that certain books are not suitable for students. This will impact the types of books that the school will be able to purchase. The education administrators are also involved in the budget concerns of a school system. When cuts must be made, administrators are involved in this important process. These professionals are involved with shaping the rules and policies by which the entire school system or district is run. This is a crucial position and it carries much responsibility and weight with this position.

In addition, the hiring practices of school systems are significantly influenced by the education administrators. Oftentimes, some education administrators have taught in the class room, and they know what students need. This hands on experience allows them to make important decisions that benefit the student. They are also involved in the community. The education administrator gets involved in civic and community endeavors. They must answer questions from leaders and parents in the community. Those education administrators in the elementary, middle, and high school are called principals. They must handle the day to day running of the school. These principals are responsible for student discipline. Also, the principal or education administrator hires and terminates teachers. The teachers must follow the guidance that this professional sets forth.

The education administrator in the schools must make sure that the student performance is satisfactory. This is monitored by testing and standardized testing. Oftentimes, the principal will visit the classroom to observe a teacher’s methods. The principal or administrator must be involved in budgets. Lean times in the economy demand an increased need for fundraisers and other private contributions. The cuts in state budgets are leaving a gap in the budget.

Education Administrators Training and Education Requirements

Those that are interested in education administration should get a bachelor’s degree in teaching. Most administrators began their career in education as a teacher. Then, many go on to complete a master’s or doctoral degree. Most schools will require a principal of a school to have a master’s degree in education or educational leadership. In certain schools, mostly private, the principal or education administrator will have only a bachelor’s degree; however, most of these professionals hold a master’s or doctoral degree in education.

In a college setting, the education administrators usually advance from being in a professor position. They advance and become leaders of the department over time. A doctoral degree is all that is usually needed for these advanced positions in college education administration. Experience in the academic setting is desired also. However, this is attained during the time teaching or in some other university position.

Education Administrators Certifications

Almost every school will require a school education administrator to be licensed in the field. Requirements for licensure tend to vary from state to state, but most of the states do require a master’s degree or some other graduate degree in education administration. These administrators are required by some states to keep their skills current in the field. Continuing education courses are mandatory in many states. Certification is very important in the educational field. States and governments want to make sure that education professionals are fully competent in their respective areas.

In addition, most states also require preschool education administrators to be licensed. This requires an advanced graduate degree in education and early childhood administration. Each state has their own specific requirements for the issuance of licenses.

Education Administrators Professional Associations

Professional associations in education provide many benefits to the community and professionals in the field. Administrators are able to grow and learn new methods. There are many networking opportunities for the members. In addition, the association establishes standards by which the profession is measured by in the field.

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