Educational leadership is critical to supporting the growth of a school and all its constituents and stakeholders. According to the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) Program
Recognition Standards, sponsored by the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA), educational leaders have several responsibilities, including the following:
- Creating and adhering to a mission and vision for continuous school improvement
- Encouraging a culture of support and care for students
- Overseeing curriculum development, instruction and assessment
- Helping teachers and other school leaders harness their strengths
- Encouraging community building and family engagement
- Performing operations and management tasks
When it comes to advancing a career in education, the University of New Orleans (UNO) offers an excellent opportunity through its online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership (K-12) program. This comprehensive program equips students with the skills to excel in various educational leadership roles. Whether candidates aspire to lead a school as a principal, shape curriculum as a director of curriculum and instruction, or guide fellow teachers as a teacher leader, this program opens doors to a wide range of fulfilling careers.
How Will the University of New Orleans M.Ed. Program Prepare Me for Educational Leadership Roles?
UNO’s online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership (K-12) program provides students with a well-rounded education in educational leadership. Graduates of this program are prepared to apply for the Teacher Leader endorsement in Louisiana, a valuable credential that recognizes educators with advanced leadership capabilities.
The program’s coursework also covers a broad spectrum of topics. Students delve into educational research and evaluation, gaining a deeper understanding of data-driven decision-making. They also explore curriculum development and assessment, vital for those interested in shaping the educational experience. Courses in educational law and ethics help students navigate the legal landscape of education.
Learning outcomes include how to effectively lead and manage educational institutions, implement innovative teaching strategies and foster a positive learning environment. Graduates will know how to analyze and apply research to educational practices, ensuring they stay at the forefront of the field.
What Kinds of Careers Are Available in Educational Administration?
- School principal. School principals are responsible for the overall administration of a school. They create and implement school policies, manage budgets and oversee faculty and staff. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for elementary, middle and high school principals is $101,320.
- Assistant principal. This role assists the school principal in day-to-day operations. They often focus on specific areas like curriculum development or student discipline. ZipRecruiter reports that the average annual salary for educational administrators like assistant principals is $82,492.
- District administrator. District administrators work at the central office and oversee multiple schools within a district. They set district-wide policies, manage budgets and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Salaries for district administrators vary based on the size and location of the district, but the BLS shows that the median yearly salary for educational administrators is $89,130.
Job Options in Curriculum, Instruction and Teacher Leadership
- Director of curriculum and instruction. These professionals are responsible for developing and implementing curriculum standards, instructional strategies and assessment methods. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a director of curriculum and instruction is $86,145.
- Curriculum specialist. Curriculum specialists focus on specific subjects or grade levels. They collaborate with teachers to design effective curriculum and assessment materials. While exact earnings vary, they often receive competitive salaries based on their expertise and experience. The national average for the role is currently $59,450 per year.
- Instructional coordinator. Instructional coordinators work closely with teachers to improve and enhance teaching methods. They assess educational materials, train and offer support for teachers. BLS information shows that the median annual salary for the role is $66,490.
- Teacher leader. A teacher leader plays an important role in mentoring and guiding fellow educators. They share best practices, provide professional development and contribute to improving teaching quality. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for instructional coordinators — a role closely related to teacher leaders — is $66,490 but depends on experience, location and education.
UNO’s online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership (K-12) program opens the door to many career possibilities in educational leadership. Whether a candidate is interested in the administrative side of education or aspires to shape curriculum and instruction, this program can help students gain the knowledge and skills to succeed in a number of educational administrator roles.
Learn more about the University of New Orleans online Master of Education in Educational Leadership (K-12) program.