By: The Capella University Editorial Team
Reading Time: 3 minutes
As a teacher, you have an important role to play in ensuring that future generations are prepared for success.
But have you considered moving to an administrative position where you could potentially make an even greater impact?
School administrators help lead a school’s daily work and long-term improvement. Common roles include assistant principal and principal. Some schools also use titles such as dean of students for administrative positions.
The responsibilities vary by role, but school administrators often support instruction, supervise staff and help manage school resources. They may also work with students and families when concerns arise. In every case, administrators connect classroom priorities with broader goals for the school.
Moving into school administration requires educators to apply their classroom experience in new ways and develop additional skills.
School administrators guide people through decisions and change by listening to staff, building trust and keeping the needs of students at the center of the work. As an educator, you can begin developing leadership skills by spearheading a team, mentoring a colleague or taking responsibility for a school initiative.
A school’s available resources should support its priorities. In an administrative role, you may help determine how funding and staff time are used. You may also help decide what supplies or services the school needs.
Those decisions can affect teaching and learning. Effective resource management means connecting day-to-day choices with broader school goals.
Communication is central to school leadership. Clear messaging can help principals explain decisions, respond to concerns and build support for school priorities.
Keeping a school running requires reliable systems. Administrators may oversee schedules, procedures and staff support while responding to unexpected situations. Effective process management requires attention to detail and the ability to adjust when circumstances change.
The path to school administration varies by state and by role. These steps can help you begin planning your next move.
Many academic leadership pathways expect candidates to have experience as licensed teachers. Classroom experience can help you understand instruction, student needs and the everyday work of educators.
Each state sets its own requirements for school administrator licensure. Review your state department of education’s website to learn what applies to the position you want.
You may also want to speak with a current administrator or a representative from your school district. They can help you understand the qualifications local employers look for.
Many educators interested in administration pursue a master’s degree. Before enrolling, confirm that the program meets your state’s requirements for licensure.
Capella’s online MS in Education, Leadership in Educational Administration can help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to help transition into an administrative role in a P–12 school.
Preparing for an administrative position takes commitment, but the opportunity to shape school culture and support fellow educators makes it a rewarding next step.
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