Educating new generations of students is essential to creating a better future. School administrators are senior-level professionals who take on a number of responsibilities that ensure the positive development of schools, students and communities and contribute to a healthy, well-educated society.  

School administrator positions almost always require a graduate degree in a field related to educational leadership, educational administration, or, in the case of college or university leadership, a graduate degree in higher education administration. Master’s degree programs for aspiring school administrators offer them the tools and skills they need to become leaders, and to help their schools — and their students — succeed. 

What Does a School Administrator Do?

School administrators play a critical role in the national education system in both public and private schools and in both K-12 schools and colleges and universities. These individuals work year-round preparing for and managing their responsibilities for each academic session.  

Common school administrator positions include principal, vice principal and assistant principal; admissions counselor; academic officer; student affairs leader; and provost or chancellor. Superintendents, directors of curriculum and instruction, and deans are also considered school administrators.  

Following are some of a school administrator’s most important day-to-day duties and responsibilities:  

• Helping students meet their educational needs with appropriate courses, extracurricular activities and scheduling 

• Creating and managing school budgets 

• Monitoring the academic performance of individual students and teachers 

• Ensuring a safe environment for students, faculty and other staff 

• Managing school technology and infrastructure, including internet access and computer labs 

• Overseeing and revising curricula to better suit students or to meet educational requirements set by the state 

• Disciplining students  

• Meeting with parents, caregivers and faculty to resolve issues 

• Handling personnel issues, including hiring, disciplining and terminating teachers or other staff  

• Overseeing the various other departments associated with the school, including sports, music and arts departments 

Steps to Become a School Administrator

To better understand how to become a school administrator, it is helpful to know that most candidates for kindergarten through secondary school administrator positions start their journey as teachers, either in K-12 or postsecondary settings. Prospective college and university administrators usually gain experience in entry-level administration positions in areas like financial aid or admissions.  

The most important steps for aspiring school administrators to take are gaining relevant work experience, earning a graduate degree and obtaining any required licensure or certifications.  

Gain Work Experience

The experience required to work as a school administrator can vary depending on a candidate’s desired work setting. Those who want to pursue roles in elementary, middle or high schools often start their careers as teachers, which involves earning a bachelor’s degree and obtaining a teaching license in their state of employment.  

Individuals who want to pursue work in colleges or universities need to obtain several years of experience working in administrative roles in registrars’ offices, admissions or student affairs.  

Earn an Advanced Degree

• A Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program is an excellent all-around degree program for experienced teachers that combines classroom learning and hands-on experience.  

• A Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration program provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed specifically by those who wish to pursue school administrator positions in colleges or universities. 

• A Specialist in Educational Administration program is designed for experienced educational leaders who have already earned a master’s degree and want to advance in their administrative careers.  

Obtain Required Licensure or Certification

Most states require school administrators in kindergarten through secondary public schools to have a valid teaching license with at least one to six years of teaching experience. A handful of states may also require administrators to receive additional special training, certifications or endorsements specific to their communities and schools. Some states also require school administrators to pass a specialized assessment.  

Salary and Job Outlook for School Administrators

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for education administrators in kindergarten through secondary schools was $103,460 as of May 2023. Postsecondary education administrators had a median annual salary of $102,610, with those working in state colleges, universities or professional schools having a median salary of $105,110. 

The BLS projects employment of postsecondary education administrators will grow by about 3 percent between 2023 and 2033. About 15,200 job openings will occur each year due to this growth and the need to replace administrators leaving the field. Employment of education administrators in kindergarten through secondary schools is not projected to grow over the decade, but the field is expected to see about 20,800 job openings each year between 2023 and 2033 due to school administrators retiring or changing careers.  

Improve the Future of Education as a School Administrator

If you are passionate about ensuring that every student receives the best possible education, a role as a school administrator may be right for you. These individuals have a tangible impact on the lives of students, teachers and families, and earning a graduate degree from SEMO Online can be a crucial step toward a career in this field.  

Degree options offered by SEMO Online include a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration and a Specialist in Educational Administration. An extensive list of on-campus SEMO programs is also available for students who prefer a more traditional learning experience.  

Find out how you can become a transformative leader and leave your mark on the future of education with a master’s degree from SEMO Online.  

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5 Tips to Choose a Graduate School 
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150 Employers That Hired SEMO Alumni 
 
Sources: 
American Professionals Guide, “Key Responsibilities of a School Administrator in the U.S.” 
EduTinker, “What Are the Key Responsibilities of School Administrators?” 
Indeed, “How to Become a School Administrator in 4 Steps” 
Orah, “The Importance of School Administration: 3 Reasons Why It’s Crucial for Student Education” 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Education Administrators, Kindergarten Through Secondary 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals  
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Postsecondary Education Administrators