Career Information for a Degree in Educational Leadership

Master's and doctoral degree programs in educational leadership train students to take on management and leadership roles in elementary, secondary and post secondary school settings. A graduate of such a program can consider a career as an instructional coordinator, a principal or a school superintendent.

Educational Leadership Programs

Graduate programs in educational leadership are intended for professionals who are interested in enhancing leadership and management skills to provide a better educational environment for students, teachers and staff. Such programs combine research methods, theory and important topics in education to instruct academic leaders in communication and problem-solving skills, which will allow graduates to implement best practices in schools or school systems. Courses offered in an educational leadership program may include:

• Educational and administrative leadership
• Education law
• Curriculum development
• Financial management
• Technology in schools
• Research methods
• Multiculturalism and diversity

Some degree programs include state teacher or administrator licensing as an admission requirement, while others offer licensing and certification as part of the degree. Programs often provide flexibility for working school professionals pursuing a degree mid-career. Upon graduation, students may consider a number of careers in educational leadership positions.

Instructional Coordinator

Instructional coordinators, also known as curriculum specialists or directors, use their expertise in curriculum development and instruction to design and implement changes to educational programs, school technology, teaching methods and academic policies. An instructional coordinator observes and evaluates teaching and administrative staff to improve the quality of education a school offers. Some may focus on teaching programs and materials, including textbooks, computers and software. They also ensure compliance with academic standards and regulations at the local, state and national levels.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expected excellent employment opportunities for instructional coordinators, with job growth of 20% for the 2010-2020 decade (www.bls.gov). Rapid growth can be attributed to an increased emphasis on raising academic standards, improving education and greater accountability, the BLS said. As of May 2012, the BLS reported mean annual salaries of $62,420 for instructional coordinators.

Principal

Principals supervise the daily operations of an individual school, serving as a manager for school staff, visible authority figure for students and a point of contact for parents and community members. In addition to overseeing the hiring and evaluation of teachers and support staff, principals work with educators and administrators to assess the needs of the school and establish policies, programs and standards. Principals monitor disciplinary or attendance problems, addressing students and their parents to resolve issues. They may also perform administrative duties related to long-term planning and setting budgets for the school.

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