Leadership careers in the education field are known for impacting students’ lives. However, one must never forget that the education sector is also the heart and soul of any nation or industry.
After all, education helps students prepare for a brighter future. So, if you wish to work in the education field, whether in a hands-on or leadership role, there are many choices available that will fulfill your career requirements.
Without a doubt, a teaching role will give you the power to transform your students’ lives inside the classroom. But, a classroom isn’t the only place where you can create an impact. In fact, there are several leadership roles in the education field that help mold the leaders of tomorrow and offer an excellent salary with incentives.
Following are a few career choices that’ll help you assume a leadership role in education.
While working as a post-secondary administrator, candidates will be in charge of admissions or financial assistance. Typically, these professionals can work in secondary universities, colleges, and schools.
Furthermore, these professionals are also responsible for various administrative duties such as helping students with admissions, residential life, intercultural affairs, and much more.
Candidates looking to apply for such a job must obtain a masters in higher education administration or a similar higher education degree. Moreover, applicants will need to take courses in educational law, student affairs, educational leadership, school finances to improve their chances of employment at a reputable educational institute.
According to the BLS, a post-secondary administrator’s median salary is around $97,500 per year.
Also Read: Six Compelling Reasons Why a Master’s After Graduation is an Excellent Idea
A curriculum coordinator’s primary duty is to create and supervise a school, college, or university’s learning curriculum components. They’re also responsible for maintaining compliance with deferral and state curriculum requirements, managing testing programs within their district, compiling education surveys, and more.
Moreover, they also visit educational facilities to guide the teaching staff to improve information delivery methods. Typically, curriculum coordinators can work in child education programs, community centers, private schools, or public schools.
To apply for the role of a curriculum coordinator, candidates must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in education, instruction, and curriculum, or a related field. Not to mention, a master’s or doctoral degree in education will improve chances of employment tenfold.
According to the BLS, the median salary of a curriculum or instructional coordinator is around $66,970 per year.
Undoubtedly, an educational institute’s student support system is critical for development at all academic levels. Therefore, the role of a school counselor is crucial when molding the leaders of tomorrow.
Typically, these professionals work in educational institutes to guide students in making career and academic decisions. Furthermore, they also assist them with behavioral, social, and personal issues both inside and outside the classroom.
Candidates looking to apply for such a role must hold a school counseling certificate at the very least. However, most states require a master’s degree in counseling through human resources, psychology, or education.
In addition, unlike other careers in the education field, a counselor’s work schedule is confined to 40 hours per week. According to the BLS, the median salary of a school counselor is around $58,120 per year, with the highest ten percent earning approximately $97,910 annually.
The job title of a high school principal is probably the most sought-after leadership role within a high school setting. A high school principal’s responsibility is to ensure their educational institute meets federal and state requirements, delegate funds, hire teachers, and much more.
Furthermore, these professionals also help improve academic standards through policy changes and act as authority figures in student discipline. In addition, high school principals have to work more than the average 40 hours per week.
Candidates who want to apply for this educational leadership role must hold a master’s degree in education. However, some high schools require candidates to earn a higher education degree in education administration, such as a Ph.D. in education or Doctor of Education( EdD).
After fulling the necessary educational requirements, candidates also have to apply for and obtain a valid principalship certification and several years of administration or teaching experience.
According to the BLS, high school principals earn a median salary of around $98,490 per year.
The dean of students’ role is to ensure individuals studying at an educational institution have the resources and support they require to achieve success. In fact, they work closely with students, their teachers, and their parents to ensure a valuable and safe learning environment.
Other duties might include evaluating instructors, observing and overseeing student support staff, preparing enrichment activities for teachers and students, and more. If required, these professionals might also investigate and take disciplinary action in teacher misconduct cases.
Typically, candidates must hold a master’s degree in administration, counseling, or education to work in this position. Furthermore, working experience as a school administrator is also a must. According to PayScale, the average salary of a dean of students is around $63,856 per year.
These professionals supervise a school system’s infrastructure. In addition, school superintendents might also oversee expenditure management and budget development for educational institutions, hire and recruit school staff, create learning policies, develop goals for their school district, and much more.
Candidates looking to work as school superintendents must obtain a bachelor’s degree in education, followed by a master’s in the same field.
In addition, previous work experience in a supervisory or administrative role will also increase the chances of employment at a reputable school. According to PayScale, the average salary of a school superintendent is around $121,930 per year.
If you’re interested in pursuing a leadership role in the education sector, there are many options to explore. Consider investing time for research to know which position will allow you to achieve your career goals.
Don’t forget, experience and a degree in education are necessary to succeed in today’s cutthroat educational industry.
