Ensuring a learning institution provides the best education for its students is the domain of school administrators.
School administration duties, however, differ greatly depending on the educational level of the institution.
Principals of elementary, middle and high schools are the captains of the educational ship. They lead teachers and other staff members, day-to-day operations, set goals and objectives, and evaluate their school’s progress toward meeting them.
Administrators at postsecondary educational institutions, such as colleges, universities, community colleges, and technical and trade schools, oversee student services, academics and research at colleges and universities. Their job duties vary depending on the area of the college they manage, such as admissions, student life or the office of the registrar. They are known as provosts or academic deans.
Job Duties of a School Principal
Principals’ duties tend to be more all encompassing, while administrators at post-secondary institutions focus on one particular area of running the school.
Among a principal’s duties are:
• Supervising teachers, counselors, librarians and other school staff
• Observing and monitoring teachers to evaluate effectiveness
• Arranging professional development programs and mentorships for teachers to help them improve their performances
• Making sure the staff has the tools and resources they need
• Disciplining students and helping teachers manage students’ behavior
• Meeting with parents and teachers to go over students’ progress and behavior
• Reviewing test scores and other data to determine the school’s progress toward local, state and federal standards
• Managing the school’s finances
• Ensuring the safety of students and staff
• Advocating on behalf of the school to ensure it receives necessary financial support
The duties of postsecondary institution administrators are determined by the administrator’s area of expertise.
Administrators in the College Admissions Office
Administrators who work in admissions determine whether potential students will be admitted to the school. They typically do the following:
• Determine how many students to admit
• Prepare promotional materials about the school
• Meet with prospective students
• Review potential students applications
• Analyze data concerning applicants and admitted students
• Speak to high school counselors and students.
In addition, they often work with the financial aid department to help students determine if they can afford tuition.
Administrators in the College Registrar’s Office
Postsecondary education administrators who work in the registrar’s office maintain student and course records. Among their duties are:
• Schedule and register students for classes
• Make sure students meet graduation requirements
• Plan graduation ceremonies
• Prepare transcripts and diplomas
• Produce data concerning students and classes
Registrars’ schedules vary with the time of the school year. Before class registration, registrars prepare schedules and course offerings. During registration and the early weeks of the semester they help students sign up for, drop and add courses. Toward semester’s end, they plan graduation and ensure that students meet graduation requirements.
Administration Careers in Student Affairs
Postsecondary education administrators who work in student affairs are responsible for a variety of nonacademic functions, such as student athletics and activities. Among their duties are:
• Advising students on housing, personal problems, academics or other issues
• Communicating with parents and families
• Creating and maintaining student records
• Overseeing nonacademic programs
• Scheduling programs and services, such as sports or recreational activities
Becoming a principal requires a master’s degree in education administration or leadership, in addition to experience as a classroom teacher. Most states require principals to be licensed as school administrators.
Some postsecondary administrative positions may be available to holders of a bachelor’s degree, but most require a master’s or a doctorate in educational leadership or similar subject.
Employment growth will vary by region, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts growth in the field for principals at 10% between 2010 and 2020.
Job growth for the same period for postsecondary administrators is expected to be 19%.
The average median salary for school principals in May 2010 was $86,970, while the average median salary for postsecondary education administrators was $83,710.
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