Principal Overview

Educational administrators such as principals, assistant principals manage the day-to-day activities in schools and provide instructional leadership in preschools, elementary schools, and secondary schools.They set educational standards and goals and establish policies and procedures to carry them out.They develop mission statements and supervise managers, support staff, teachers, counselors, librarians, and coaches.They develop academic programs, monitor students� progress, train teachers, manage career-counseling services, prepare budgets, and handle relations with parents and the community. Many principals have become more involved in public relations and fundraising to obtain public support for their schools.

According to the U. S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of Education Administrators is projected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations.As education takes on greater importance in everyone�s lives, the need for people to administrate education programs will grow.A large number of principals and assistant principals are expected to retire in the next ten years.

Work Environment for Principals

Education Administrators, such as principals and assistant principals, hold leadership positions in the school and community with a great deal of responsibility.Most enjoy working with students and find the job very rewarding.But as job responsibilities have increased, so has the level of stress.Interacting with teachers, parents, students, community leaders, and government policy makers can be stimulating, but stressful.Administrators are also held accountable for ensuring their schools meet state and federal guidelines for student and teacher performance.As most teachers experience, working with difficult students can be challenging.

An increase in responsibilities in recent years has made the job more stressful and has discouraged some teachers from taking jobs in administration.Unlike teachers, many principals and assistant principals work more than 40 hours per week, 11 or 12 months out of the year.Many of their activities take place on nights and weekends and many jobs include travel.

Educational Requirements for Principals

Most principals and assistant principals begin their careers in related occupations, often as teachers.They prepare for advancement into Education Administration by completing a PhD or Master�s degree.Their educational backgrounds vary considerably.

In most public schools, principals and assistant principals need a Master�s degree in Education Administration or Educational Leadership.Some hold doctorates or specialized degrees in Education Administration.Most states require that principals be licensed as school administrators, and some require administrators to take continuing education classes to keep their license.

Education Administration degree programs include classes in school leadership, school law, school finance and budgeting, curriculum development, research design, community relations, counseling and politics in education. In evaluating candidates, supervisors look for leadership, confidence, innovativeness and motivation.

Take a moment and consider your Educational Administration options and determine the time and effort you would like to invest in your career.Research a college or university of your choice today.

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