How Educational Leadership Prepares You for School Administration

In today’s ever-evolving educational landscape, many teachers feel drawn to take on a larger role in shaping the direction of their schools. School administrators are at the heart of key decisions in improving curriculum, fostering a positive school culture, and ensuring that all students can access the resources they need to succeed.

As the demand for effective school leadership continues to grow, more educators are seeking to step outside the classroom and pursue positions in educational leadership and administration. But what exactly does an Educational Leadership degree prepare you for, and how can it help you transition from teaching into a school leadership role?

Explore Your Online MA in Educational Leadership and Administration in Pre-K-12 + Licensure

Importance of Educational Leadership

School administration positions, including principals, assistant principals, and district leaders, play a pivotal role in shaping the direction and success of a school or district. These leaders are responsible for making critical decisions that affect everything from curriculum choices to staff development and student outcomes. However, despite the significance of their role, many school districts across the country—including within the state of New Mexico—are struggling to fill these leadership positions.

Educational leadership roles come with their own set of challenges, as leaders must navigate complex decisions that can impact the educational ecosystem. These decisions require not only a deep understanding of the current educational landscape but also a forward-thinking approach that anticipates future needs and trends. To successfully lead schools and districts, educational leaders must stay informed and adaptable, ensuring they are prepared to address both immediate challenges and long-term goals.

This is where a solid foundation in educational leadership is essential for enabling leaders to guide their schools toward sustainable success.

Is There a Growing Demand for Educational Leadership Roles?

Yes, the demand for educational leadership roles is growing. Here’s why:

• Increased Responsibilities: School leaders are now expected to manage academic outcomes, technology integration, equity and inclusion, and student well-being. This expanded scope requires highly skilled leaders who are well-prepared.
• Challenges Facing Schools: Rising academic standards, diverse student needs, and adapting to new educational models are pushing districts to seek strong leadership to guide schools through these challenges.
• Shortage of Qualified Leaders: A 2023 poll conducted by EAB—an educational research company—found nearly half of superintendents were planning to leave their positions in the next two or three years. ¹
• Growing Opportunities: As leadership positions become harder to fill, individuals with an educational leadership degree are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 3% increase in jobs for education administrators between 2023 and 2033. ²

These trends highlight that educational leadership roles are not only crucial to the future of education, but also increasingly sought after, offering numerous career opportunities for those prepared to lead.

What You Learn in an Educational Leadership and Administration Program

A master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration prepares educators for the diverse and complex responsibilities of school leadership. The curriculum focuses on developing skills in leadership, management, and strategic thinking. The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration in Pre-K-12 + Licensure program at NMSU Global Campus is designed to equip graduates with a robust understanding of how to foster positive change in educational environments.

Here are some key areas of focus within an educational leadership program:

1. Leadership Theory and Practice

Effective leadership isn’t just about management—it’s about inspiring and motivating others. In an educational leadership program, you’ll study various leadership styles and frameworks that can be applied in diverse educational settings. You will learn how to lead your fellow educators with transformational vision and influence.

2. Educational Policy and Law

School administrators must navigate a complex landscape of educational laws and policies. You’ll explore both state and federal regulations, including student rights, teacher tenure, and special education laws. Understanding these frameworks is crucial for making informed administrative decisions that align with legal requirements.

3. School Finance and Budgeting

One of the most essential responsibilities of a school leader is managing resources. You’ll gain practical knowledge of budgeting, resource allocation, and financial planning. This expertise allows administrators to ensure that resources are effectively distributed to support student success and faculty development.

4. Instructional Leadership

As a school leader, fostering high standards of teaching is one of your primary goals. This portion of the curriculum focuses on improving teaching and learning, implementing curriculum reforms, and supporting professional development for teachers to ensure student achievement.

5. Community Relations and Communication

Building strong relationships with parents, teachers, students, and the broader community is central to school leadership. You’ll learn effective communication strategies, conflict resolution, and how to nurture a collaborative school culture.

6. Data-Driven Decision Making

Data is an essential tool for school leaders to assess student performance, staff development, and overall school effectiveness. Analyzing data and applying it to decision-making processes is a core aspect of educational leadership training.

These areas, along with practical experience gained through internships or fieldwork, prepare graduates to navigate the complexities of school leadership and administration with confidence.

Career Pathways with an Educational Leadership Degree

With a degree in educational leadership and administration, you open up a range of career opportunities in both K-12 public and private schools, as well as in districts and educational organizations.

Here are a few career paths that graduates of educational leadership programs commonly pursue:

1. Principal/Assistant Principal

The most direct path from an educational leadership degree is stepping into the role of a school principal or assistant principal. Principals oversee day-to-day school operations, while assistant principals focus on specific aspects of school management, such as discipline or curriculum. Both roles require strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

2. District Administrator

Beyond individual schools, district-level positions such as superintendent, curriculum coordinator, or human resources director require knowledge of educational leadership. These roles involve overseeing multiple schools and meeting district policies, budgets, and educational goals.

3. Educational Consultant

Some graduates of educational leadership programs go on to become consultants who work with schools or educational organizations to improve systems, policies, or practices. These professionals might specialize in curriculum development, leadership training, or school improvement planning.

4. Higher Education Administrator

For those interested in working in higher education, an educational leadership degree can also serve as a stepping stone into administrative roles at colleges or universities, such as director of admissions, student services coordinator, or academic dean.

How to Decide if an Educational Leadership Program is Right for You

While educational leadership programs offer many opportunities, it’s important to determine if this path is the right fit for your goals and career aspirations. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Do I enjoy leading and inspiring others? School leaders are often responsible for guiding teachers and staff, making decisions that impact students’ lives, and creating a positive school environment. If you thrive in leadership roles, this could be a great fit.
• Am I interested in policy, law, and management? Educational leadership goes beyond teaching and requires a solid understanding of policy, budgeting, and organizational management. If you’re drawn to administrative tasks and enjoy problem-solving at a higher level, an educational leadership degree might be right for you.
• Am I prepared for the demands of leadership? School administration can be stressful and demanding. You’ll need to be prepared to handle multiple tasks, manage budgets, and navigate diplomatic relations with parents and other community stakeholders, all while staying focused on student success.

If you’re ready to take the next step, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration in Pre-K-12 + Licensure could provide the knowledge and training you need to succeed.

FAQ: Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration in Pre-K-12 + Licensure

1. What is the difference between this master’s program and an EdD or PhD in Education?

An Master of Arts (MA) focuses on practical, hands-on leadership skills. School administrator roles require expertise in curriculum design and teaching strategies. On the other hand, EdD or PhD typically prepares individuals for higher-level research, policy-making, and leadership roles in academia or large-scale educational systems. If you’re aiming for a hands-on leadership role in Pre-K-12, this master’s may be more aligned with your goals.

2. Can I work while pursuing this master’s program?

Yes! Programs like the one at NMSU Global Campus are designed for working professionals. You can take courses online or part-time while continuing to work in your current job.

3. How long does it take to complete this master’s program?

Most students complete the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration in Pre-K-12 + Licensure in about two years, depending on their course load and schedule flexibility.

4. Do I need a teaching certificate to enter this master’s program?

Yes. Those interested in Pre-K-12 school administration must hold a current U.S. teaching license and have at least three years of full-time teaching experience in the Pre-K-12 sector. The admissions team at NMSU Global Campus will be glad to assist with questions about the prerequisites for the program.

5. Are there certification options available?

Yes, the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration in Pre-K-12 + Licensure at NMSU Global Campus offers pathways to licensure (certification) for school administrators, depending on state regulations.

Pursue Your MA in Educational Leadership and Administration in Pre-K-12 + Licensure

An Educational Leadership degree prepares you for a dynamic career in school administration, equipping you with the skills to lead, manage, and make informed decisions that impact both the school environment and student outcomes.

With positions in high demand and numerous career pathways available, pursuing a degree in educational leadership could be the next step for your career in education.

Whether you aspire to be a school principal, district administrator, or educational consultant, the right program, like the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration in Pre-K-12 + Licensure from NMSU Global Campus, can help you build the foundation for a successful career in school leadership.

References

1. “Why Almost Half Of School Leaders Are Preparing To Call It Quits.” Forbes, last updated 2 August 2023.

2. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Postsecondary Education Administrators.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 29 August 2024.