Administrative Education Careers

Among undergraduate careers, education careers are continually growing in popularity. While qualified teachers are needed in all areas of teaching, qualified professionals are also needed in education careers that do not require teaching. Administrative positions focus on management, creation of policies, recordkeeping and budgeting. Many require nothing more than an undergraduate degree.

Administrative education careers include principals. They manage elementary, middle and high schools. They evaluate and observe teachers, hire new staff and review learning materials. They also are in charge of generating reports and creating budgets. They ensure that the staff are informed of all policies and procedures. They also maintain the curriculum and develop performance goals. Education careers as principals also involve making sure schools meet all levels of academic standards. At smaller schools, principals may also be involved in fundraising and public relations.

Also, there are administrators who work at central offices and oversee multiple schools. Education careers as this type of administrator involve overseeing extracurricular activities and assessing teaching methods and curricula. They also may work directly with students and test their knowledge and skills so that they can be placed in appropriate classes. Administrators may also coordinate programs such as athletics, psychology services and teacher development.

Deans are administrators who work at the college level. They oversee faculty, create budgets and develop academic programs. Education careers as deans increasingly involve fundraising work. Department heads and chairpersons are other education careers at the college level. These administrators oversee entire academic subjects, organize class schedules and hire faculty. They also may be involved with committees and personally teach classes.

Administrative education careers are varied and each, therefore, has different responsibilities. A master’s degree or Ph.D. is usually required. Some positions require prior teaching experience. These types of education careers require drive, excellent leadership skills, good communication, organization and problem-solving skills. A license is required for principals. They must also take continuing education classes in order to keep their license and prove they are current with their education.