Educational administrators make it possible for teachers to do what they do best: teach. When a school or school district is overseen by a motivated and caring administrator, teachers, staff, students, and parents all benefit. At the moment, however, many school districts in the U.S. have vacancies for principals and other administrative roles. At the same time, they’ve reported a lack of qualified applicants to fill these vacancies. For teachers who are ready to change careers and become a positive agent for change, this is the right time to consider becoming an education administrator.
Responsibilities of an Education Administrator
Education administrators are professionals who can be found working at every educational level. At a high level, school and education administrators manage the running and functioning of schools and school districts. They may hire and supervise teachers and fellow administrators, create and manage budgets, direct educational programming, design curriculum, and oversee recordkeeping. When employed by a school or school district, administrators may be assigned to work on committees such as academic boards or governing bodies.
More specifically, education administrators are often responsible for the following tasks, and more:
- Evaluating and standardizing their school or school district’s curriculum
- Communicating with families
- Planning institutional events
- Conducting evaluations of teaching staff
- Supporting faculty members with training and providing guidance through goal-setting and enrichment
- Ensuring that a school or school district is in compliance with local, state, and federal education standards
- Monitoring the financial affairs of their institution
Examples of Education Administrator Jobs & Duties
There are a variety of roles that an education administrator can fill, each with their own specialized job duties. Here are just a few jobs that education administrators might consider in the field:
1. Assistant Principal
Assistant principals work closely with their school’s principal and board members to design, define, and enforce school policies and guidelines. They may oversee student activities and support services. They are also responsible for personnel management and community relations.
2. Principal
Principals are responsible for overseeing all high-level operations of a school. They manage an administrative team, backed by their assistant principal. They also oversee the teaching staff and work to create a safe learning environment for students, as well as a supportive work environment for teachers.
3. Curriculum Director
Curriculum directors manage and design the curriculum for a school district. Curriculum directors introduce new curriculum to teachers and ensure that they’re trained on its content. They also guarantee that a school district’s curriculum fulfills its state’s educational standards.
Why Become an Education Administrator?
If you’re here, you’ve likely considered whether or not you should become an education administrator. A good candidate for this position should be compassionate, attentive to details, good at planning and organizing, empathetic, experienced in classroom teaching, and skilled in identifying and solving problems. However, having the personality and skills for the job isn’t enough. You have to be highly motivated.
School administrators have the ability to impact the learning outcomes of students and the job satisfaction of teachers. They are able to ensure that teachers have the resources they need to effectively present curriculum. They can provide leadership in times of crisis and help guide schools and school districts toward bright futures. The ideal future education administrator should be driven by an ambition to make a difference. This motivation should drive you to pursue your 092 Certificate- a requirement in Connecticut.
How Do You Become an Education Administrator in CT?
In order to become an education administrator in Connecticut, one must meet the following requirements:
Hold a master’s degree from an accredited and state approved teacher certification program
Complete 18 semester hours of graduate credit beyond a master’s degree (including credits in the 092 Certificate program)
Fulfill 50 months of successful teaching experience in a Connecticut school
Have no fewer than 36 clock hours of specialized study in special education, which includes study in the growth and development of exceptional children, including handicapped, gifted, and talented children as well as children who may need special education
Achieve a passing score on the Connecticut Administrator Test (CAT)
These requirements must be met in order to earn endorsement for intermediate administration.
Is an Education Administrator Job Worth It?
If you want to work as a school administrator in Connecticut, you will need to complete a 092 Certificate training program. But, is enrolling in an 092 program and eventually becoming an education administrator worth it? Here are two key facts to consider.
Career Advancement
The 092 Certificate offers candidates both career mobility and advancement. While the world needs skilled and enthusiastic teachers, the teaching profession offers little in the way of upward mobility. The 092 Certificate lays the foundation for educators to become intermediate level administrators and, if they wish to pursue further endorsements, to eventually become superintendents.
Salary Increase
As an educational administrator, you will inevitably earn a higher salary. The proof is in the numbers. Elementary school teachers earn an annual average salary of $60,660 per year, while secondary school teachers earn only $2,000 more, on average. By contrast, education administrators earn an average salary of $98,490 per year. If you’re interested in earning more money while helping to create positive change in your school and school district, earning an 092 Certificate in Connecticut is the way to do it.
In today’s ever changing educational landscape, teachers and students both face unique challenges. School administrators are equipped and empowered to ensure that both stakeholders feel supported while at school. If you’re motivated to create a positive learning environment, mold and elevate your school’s curriculum, support students in need of special education, and improve the learning outcomes of students, then this career may be a good fit. If so, the first step is to earn an 092 Certification.
Are you ready to earn your 092 Certification in CT? Learn about the Educational Administration and Supervision (092) program at University of Bridgeport.