Climbing the Ladder of Success: A Guide to Becoming an Education Administrator

An education administrator is a professional who is responsible for managing and overseeing the operations of a school or educational institution. This can include tasks such as budgeting, staffing, curriculum development, and student and faculty support. Education administrators can work at a variety of levels, from elementary and secondary schools to colleges and universities. They typically have a background in education and often hold advanced degrees in education administration or a related field. The specific duties and responsibilities of an education administrator can vary depending on the level and type of institution they work in, as well as their specific role within the organization.

Steps to become an education administrator

Becoming an education administrator is a rewarding career path for individuals who are passionate about education and have a desire to make a difference in the lives of students. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve your goal of becoming an education administrator.

Step 1. Earn a bachelor's degree 

A bachelor's degree in education or a related field is a must for anyone seeking to become an education administrator. This degree will provide you with a foundation in the theories and practices of education, as well as an understanding of the history and philosophy of education. Depending on your career goals and the specific requirements of your state, you may also consider obtaining a degree in a related field such as psychology, sociology, or business administration.

Step 2. Gain teaching experience

Many education administrators have prior experience as a teacher. This experience can be valuable in helping you understand the day-to-day operations of a school and the challenges that teachers face. Additionally, having teaching experience can demonstrate your commitment to education and your ability to connect with students and colleagues. There are several ways to gain teaching experience, even if you don't have a formal background in education. Here are some suggestions:

Volunteer as a tutor: Look for opportunities to volunteer as a tutor in your community. You could work with elementary, middle, or high school students, or even adults who are trying to learn a new skill or language. VolunteerMatch allows you to search for volunteer opportunities in your area, including opportunities to tutor and mentor students. 

Substitute teach: Many school districts are in constant need of substitute teachers. Check with your local school district to see what the requirements are for becoming a substitute teacher in your area. Teach for America: provides opportunities to teach in underserved communities in the United States. 

Teach abroad: There are many programs that offer opportunities to teach English abroad. Not only will you gain valuable teaching experience, but you'll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and learn new skills. Go Overseas provides information on teaching abroad programs and opportunities.

Teach online: With the rise of remote work and online education, there are many opportunities to teach online. Look for tutoring or teaching positions with online education companies or platforms. Wyzant allows you to create a profile as a tutor or coach and connect with students who are looking for help in a particular subject area.

Take education courses: Even if you don't have a formal degree in education, taking courses in education can help you gain knowledge and experience in teaching. Look for courses at local community colleges or online education platforms.

Step 3. Pursue a master's degree in education administration

A master's degree in education administration or a related field is typically required for most education administration positions.This degree will provide you with a deeper understanding of educational policies, programs, and administration practices, as well as the skills you need to manage and lead a school or educational institution.

Step 4. Obtain certification or licensure

Many states require education administrators to be licensed or certified. Requirements vary by state, so it's important to check your state's specific requirements. The certification process typically involves passing a standardized test, completing a certain number of hours of professional development, and meeting other requirements set by your state's education board.

Step 5. Network and gain experience

Participate in professional organizations, attend conferences, and seek out opportunities to work with experienced education administrators to build your network and gain experience in the field. Additionally, working in a variety of educational settings, such as different types of schools or institutions, can help you develop a well-rounded understanding of the field and increase your chances of landing an administrative position.

Step 6. Apply for administrative positions

Once you have the required education, experience, and certification, you can start applying for education administrator positions.You can search for job openings on websites such as LinkedIn or your state's education department's website. Be prepared to demonstrate your qualifications, experience, and passion for education in your cover letter and resume.

Step 7. Consider additional certifications

Some education administrators choose to earn additional certifications in areas such as school business management or technology integration. These certifications can demonstrate your expertise in specific areas and increase your marketability as a candidate.

By following these steps and working hard to build your skills and experience, you can become a successful education administrator and make a difference in the lives of students.