How to Become a School Administrator

Educational administrators hold positions as curriculum developers, school principals and district superintendents. They also work in state and federal education agencies. These professions are in demand and offer competitive salaries, benefits and career advancement.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• GRE Study Guides
• Academic Counselings
• Computer And Network Support
• Career Counseling
• E-mail Accounts
• Postage Stamps
• Envelopes

1. Show your personal and professional dedication to education by participating in educational activities early on, both as a volunteer and as a student.
2. Obtain a bachelor's degree in the subject of your choice.
3. Earn a teaching credential by completing required certification exams, teacher-training and graduate courses.
4. Apply to and complete a master's or doctoral program in education, with an emphasis on educational administration. You can sometimes obtain your teaching credential concurrently.
5. Complete your required supervised administrative experience.
6. Pass certification exams on both the state and national level for your specific area of educational administration.
7. Contact academic and professional references for letters of recommendation and prepare to have your official college transcripts sent to prospective employers.
8. Research carefully the areas and districts to which you apply. Each state will present unique challenges in hiring requirements as well as work environment.

Tips & Warnings

• Do your research before applying to a graduate program in educational administration. You will want to study in a university that is nationally recognized for its program, faculty and research. Also inquire about its job placement history.

Who Can Help:

• Earn an Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's Degree from the University of Phoenix
• University of Phoenix, degree Programs to Fit Your Life.