Headmaster
Education required for this profession
Principals, assistant principals, central office administrators, academic deans, and preschool directors usually have held teaching positions before moving into administration. Some teachers move directly into principal positions; others first become assistant principals, or gain experience in other administrative jobs at either the school or district level in positions such as department head, curriculum specialist, or subject matter advisor. In some cases, administrators move up from related staff jobs such as recruiter, school counselor, librarian, residence hall director, or financial aid or admissions counselor.
In most public schools, principals, assistant principals, and school district administrators need a master’s degree in education administration or educational leadership. Some principals and central office administrators have a doctorate or specialized degree in education administration. In private schools, some principals and assistant principals hold only a bachelor’s degree, but the majority have a master’s or doctoral degree.
Relevant Degree/Diploma/CertificateMasters in education, PHD.
Quick Facts
Many jobs require a master’s or doctoral degree and experience in a related occupation, such as teaching or admissions counseling.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential because much of an administrator’s job involves working and collaborating with others.
Excellent opportunities are expected since a large proportion of education administrators is expected to retire over the next 10 years.
SalaryElementary and secondary school administrators have median annual earnings of $77,740; postsecondary school administrators have median annual earnings of $73,990, while administrators in preschool and childcare centers earned a median of $37,740 per year.