Is educational administration calling your name? If you're passionate about education and desire to lead, there are multiple ways you can do this.
5 Unique ways to serve in educational administration
There are so many different ways to rise up and be a leader within education. Below, we list 5 pathways for leadership within an education setting. Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive. But rather, it’s designed to help you think about your own style of educational leadership.
1. School Administrator
Dr. Steve Zielinski is an adjunct professor for the Master of Science in Educational Leadership program at Concordia University. He absolutely loves being in an administrative role. He states, “[As an administrator] while there are certain tasks to accomplish in a day, the day presents itself regardless of what the plan is.”
Working with students always keeps you on your toes. When you’re an administrator, though, there are unique challenges that come up that can add a layer of problem-solving and excitement to the daily work. The problem-solving nature of the job, added to the interactions with students throughout the day, can really make for an enriching experience.
Read more about how you can become a school administrator.
2. Department Chair or Curriculum Lead
Curriculum leaders are essential in a school setting. The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) wrote about the need for curriculum leaders here. In their post, the ASCD states that curriculum leaders develop clarity, empower future leaders, and show opportunities for continuous improvement. Additionally, curriculum leaders can help establish goals and align strategies with them.
No matter who is fulfilling this role within a building, the person needs to have a vision for student achievement. This role would be a great fit for someone who loves the art of teaching, but who also has the desire to lead.
Find out how our Master of Science in Education – Teaching and Learning can help you reach this goal.
3. Higher Education Administration
There is a really good chance that someone in student personal administration helped you out when you were in college. You can do the same for someone else. Working in higher education can be very rewarding. Educational administration within higher education is broad. This field includes resident life and the day-to-day student activities, academic advising, and clubs and ministries, for example.
Grow as a leader while walking alongside students
If you choose to follow this path toward higher education administration, you’ll have the chance to grow as a leader while walking alongside students. Concordia offers the M.S. in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education program that will equip you to be a difference-maker within a high school, college, or university.
Program Director Amber Schiessl states: “The SPAHE program provides students with the skills to bring a faith-based approach to their current or future roles as administrators within any functional area of higher education.”
Schiessl describes the program this way: “We’ve designed this program for working professionals in a way that brings higher education and leadership theory together with real life experiences immediately. Ultimately, our graduates are prepared to live out the mission of CUWAA as servant leaders who are ethical, professional, and culturally responsible.”
You can read more about the SPAHE program here.
4. Superintendent
Becoming a school district superintendent is a big step. But, if you desire to serve your community through educational administration, this could be a great fit for you. Superintendents set the direction and tone of the school district. They can be change-makers, but they can also provide stability. The job outlook is good right now, too.
A strong superintendent builds trust, establishes a positive tone, and directs change. The best part is that it’s all for the benefit of students and their families.
If you want to know more about what superintendents do, you can read more here.
5. Learning & Development
Innovation and continuous improvement are vital to the health of any organization. If you love educational administration, and you also love continuous improvement, consider a career in learning & development. Learning & development (L&D) is a key area within just about any human resources department. Many school districts, colleges, and universities have L&D specialists as well.
If you can’t imagine leaving the school or university setting, fear not! Many of the previously mentioned leadership roles are within a school context. You can always bring continuous improvement principles to your workplace, whether it’s at a school, business, hospital, or other institution.
If you want more information on how you can earn your doctorate in leadership, Concordia University Wisconsin offers a Doctorate of Education in Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement.
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