Why a Master’s in Educational Administration Matters
A Master’s in Educational Administration is important to you as a teacher because it can help you make a big difference for your students, school and community. On February 19, 2010 at the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education Conference, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan stated that, “Great teachers and passionate principals are absolutely heroes to me and countless students because they change the trajectory of children’s lives for the better. They stir curiosity and illuminate the power of learning.” You can enhance your teaching career and move into an educational administration position where you can make big changes for your school and community, which will only be within reach if you have your Master’s in Educational Administration.
A Brief Job Description of Education Administrators
Educational administrators establish educational standards and goals, along with the policies and procedures needed to achieve them, according to the 2010-11 edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). They also supervise managers, teachers, counselors and other employees. In addition, they develop academic programs, monitor student progress, administer recordkeeping, prepare budgets, handle relations with parents, prospective and current students, employers, and the community, just to name a few of their duties. The BLS adds that in a smaller organization such as a small day care center, one administrator may handle all these functions. In universities or large school systems, responsibilities are divided among many administrators, each with a specific function.
Principals are educational administrators who run elementary, middle and secondary schools. Not only do they set the academic tone, but the BLS reports that they also actively work with teachers to develop and maintain high curriculum standards, formulate mission statements, and establish performance goals and objectives. The report goes on to say that “Principals must use clear, objective guidelines for teacher appraisals, because principals’ pay often is based on performance ratings.” Other administrators may direct subject-area programs, supervise instructional coordinators and curriculum specialists and work with them to evaluate curricula and teaching techniques and to develop programs and strategies to improve them. While others may direct programs such as school psychology, athletics, curriculum and instruction, and professional development.
The Outlook Is Good for Education Administrators
Education administrators held about 445,400 jobs in 2008, according to the BLS. Of these, about 230,600 were held by elementary or secondary school administrators, 124,600 by postsecondary administrators and approximately 58,900 by preschool or child care administrators. By 2018 employment for education administrators is expected to grow by around 8%. This anticipated growth is predominantly the result of increased enrollment of school-aged children, and greater administrative responsibilities being placed on schools, especially when it comes to monitoring student achievement. In addition, Duncan says, “Timing is crucial. A third of veteran teachers and principals are Baby Boomers who are poised to retire, which could create a million new teaching positions in the next four years, according to the Department of Education.”
How Much Do Education Administrators Make?
As of May 2008, the BLS reported that elementary, secondary and postsecondary school administrators had a median salary between $80,670 and $83,880. Check out these job titles and average salaries for a variety of principal-related jobs:
| Principals | Salary |
|---|---|
| Senior high school | $97,486 |
| Junior high/middle school | $91,334 |
| Elementary school | $85,907 |
| Assistant Principals | Salary |
|---|---|
| Senior high school | $79,391 |
| Junior high/middle school | $76,053 |
| Elementary school | $71,192 |
What It Takes to Be an Education Administrator
Most education administrators begin their careers as teachers and prepare for advancement into education administration by completing a master’s or doctoral degree. Because of the diversity of duties and levels of responsibility, educational backgrounds and experience vary considerably among these workers, according to the BLS. “In most public schools, principals, assistant principals and school district administrators need a master’s degree in education administration or educational leadership.” That’s the main reason why a Master’s in Educational Administration matters so much to move ahead in your career as an educator.
In general, education administrators have held teaching positions before becoming a principal, assistant principal, central office administrator, preschool director or other administrator. Along with the necessary experience and educational administrator master’s degree, the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that education administrators should also have strong interpersonal and communication skills. This is essential since much of an administrator’s job involves working and collaborating with others.
What’s Stopping You From Earning Your Educational Administration Master’s Degree?
Education is so important, that President Obama asked all Americans to commit to career training or higher education, adding that, “… a good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity. It is a prerequisite.” As a certified teacher, you recognize why a Master’s degree in Educational Administration matters. But you also understand the major obstacles that interfere with obtaining your master’s degree: time constraints, family obligations and work commitments. Now you can join other teachers and earn your Master’s in Educational Administration 100% online from The University of Scranton, an accredited university that U.S. News & World Report ranks as one of the 10 finest Master’s Universities in the North.
The Educational Administration Master’s for the Working Teacher – 100% Online
Recognized nationally as an administrator preparation program, The University of Scranton’s 100% online Master’s in Educational Administration offering consists of 13 required courses (39 credit hours), allowing you to complete the program in as few as 18 months. Now you, as an active or certified teacher, can earn your Master’s in Educational Administration online from a top-ranked, accredited university. In addition, you’ll benefit from these advantages:
- Enter the program without GRE, GMAT or MAT requirements
- Transfer up to six credit hours from other regionally accredited universities
- Take up to two courses at once
- Complete your degree 100% online via multimedia e-learning platform
- Choose from six convenient start times
- Enjoy manageable eight-week sessions
- Learn anytime – no mandatory logon times
- Earn the same degree awarded to on-campus students
The University of Scranton’s Master of Science in Educational Administration
This Master’s degree in Educational Administration degree was designed to help working teachers transition from the classroom to the front office. By earning your educational administration master’s degree you’ll gain greater prestige, a higher salary and new skills to shape careers and lives for years to come. The University of Scranton’s 100% online master’s degree in education programs allow you to learn at your own convenience via a dynamic multimedia platform as you earn the same degree received by on-campus students. Through this master’s degree in education program you will gain experience applying your master’s-level skills to today’s education environment, and will learn how to successfully:
- Demonstrate effective techniques for staff supervision and development
- Integrate local, state and national law, directives and education policies
- Execute high-level administrative tasks such as budget development
- Organize instruction, students and staff
- Manage facilities and equipment
- Be an effective faculty leader
This is the ideal program for certified teachers who want to:
- Become a school principal or assistant principal
- Assume administrative leadership positions
- Make a difference for their students, school and/or community
- Gain new skills leading to a higher income
Discover What The University of Scranton’s Online Students Are Saying
You want the best for your career, and so do we. By choosing to earn your Master’s in Educational Administration degree from a leading national university, you’re sure to benefit from an education that’s worlds above the rest. Just to give you an idea of what graduates thought about The University of Scranton’s online educational administration master’s degree program, here’s what they have to say:
“In the present fast pace of society, The University of Scranton provided me with the opportunity to complete my master’s degree conveniently and quickly. Juggling time constraints as a father, husband, math teacher and basketball coach, I found Scranton’s online program provided the forum to work on my own time and pace. Upon acquiring the Master’s degree in Educational Administration, I saw many doors opened to apply for administrative positions in my school district. Also, based on the information I learned while in the master’s program, I was able to pass the Florida state test for educational leadership, a requirement for becoming an assistant principal. I have also developed many contacts and resources for use when I become an administrator.”
David Wayne Simpkins
Educational Administration
“I believe that The University of Scranton online courses were great and allowed me to get my master’s degree while still being a full-time teacher, mom and wife. They were rigorous and prepared me to become a school administrator. The professors were always available to share their vast amounts of educational experience with me. Every class I took provided me with current educational trends, laws, etc. At no time did I feel like I was missing out on a traditional master’s program. I was able to network not only with my professors, but also with fellow classmates from all across the United States, gaining valuable knowledge! As a teacher taking graduate courses, I was able to transfer skills learned online right into my own classroom. Taking classes through The University of Scranton was not only convenient, it also prepared me to become a capable, qualified, confident administrator! I have nothing but positive feelings for every aspect of The University of Scranton … from the registration process to graduation … everything was a smooth success!”
