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Degrees and Schools

A bachelor's degree in education from a four-year college or university forms the foundation for elementary and secondary school administrators. Master's degree programs in educational leadership or education administration are available at many postsecondary schools.

Classes

Beginning in their sophomore year, bachelor's degree students in education take classes specific to their major and participate in student-teaching internships. Areas of study include:

• Mathematics, physical and social sciences, English, music and art
• Teaching methods
• Philosophy of education
• Psychology of learning
• Use of computers and other learning technologies

Master's degree students in education administration divide their time between classroom and research. Courses typically include:

• School leadership
• Curriculum development and evaluation
• Finance and budgeting for schools
• Politics in education and community relations
• Counseling
• Laws related to schools
• Research design
• Data analysis

Online Classes and Programs

Undergraduate degrees in education and graduate degrees in educational leadership and administration require extensive practical experience, and usually focus on preparing the school administrator for state licensure. Therefore, online courses are usually offered through campus-based universities and colleges as part of their traditional degree program. In order to be licensed in most states, applicants must be graduates of accredited programs, either through the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Online programs should be affiliated with an accredited university or college.

Employment Requirements

Most principals in elementary and secondary schools started as teachers. They may have become assistant principals or worked for the school district prior to their present position. A minimum of a master's degree in educational leadership or education administration is usually required, especially in public schools.

Public school administrators must be licensed in most states. Licensure requirements vary by state, but nearly all require either a master's degree or other graduate-level education, and many require candidates to pass an assessment exam. Mentorship while on the job is being required or recommended more and more. States do not require private school principals to be licensed.

Although not required, accreditation through the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) and National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) may assist school principals in fulfilling licensure requirements.

How to Evaluate Schools

Here are some questions to consider when comparing master's degree programs in educational administration or educational leadership:

• State licensure - Is the program focused on preparing students for state licensure assessment exams and other requirements? Is the school accredited through the USDE or CHEA?
• Practical experience - Is the program well-organized in the practical experience opportunities it provides? Are the opportunities compatible with the student's research interests?
• Research focus - What research projects are being done by faculty? How easy is it to get to work with professors on these projects?
• Learning technologies - What academic and non-academic tasks are students able to complete online? How many courses are available online?
• Tuition and financial assistance - What research funding is available? Does the school assist students in selecting and obtaining other financial support, such as scholarships, student loans and work study?
• Outcomes - How many students who begin the program complete it? What kinds of jobs do they find upon graduation?

Elementary and Secondary School Administrator Job Description

Successfully running a school full of growing young people takes skill and experience. School administrators, or principals, of elementary and secondary schools must manage the day-to-day activities that take place for students, teachers and parents, as well as providing instructional leadership. Specific responsibilities include:

• Setting and maintaining high curriculum standards based on national, state and local standards
• Setting educational goals and objectives
• Establishing policies and procedures to support standards and goals
• Developing academic programs
• Monitoring students' progress in learning: reviewing learning materials, visiting classrooms and observing teaching methods
• Hiring, supervising, training and motivating teachers, counselors, managers, librarians, support staff, coaches and other employees
• Managing student services such as career counseling or meal service
• Preparing budgets, administering recordkeeping, tracking attendance and other operational duties
• Handling relations with prospective and current students, parents and the larger community, fundraising and public relations
• Advocating for new schools, or expansions and repairs to existing schools
• Developing partnerships with area businesses, including student school-to-work transition programs
• Establishing school child care programs for before and after school hours, as well as anti-drug programs, family resource centers and other social services

During summer break when school is out of session, principals plan for the upcoming year. They oversee any summer school, supervise building repairs and improvements, and participate in workshops for teachers and administrators.