A school administrator must stay abreast of all of the latest methodologies and techniques used in education and this is why certified administrators must dedicate their time to continuing education. Since administrators hold a lot of responsibility in organizing and managing activities in an educational institution, it is no surprise that further education is a requirement through the state. If you have intentions of studying to become an administrator, or you are currently pursuing an administrator licensing, find out what types of courses you need to take and how many hours of further education are required.
How to Become a Licensed Administrator
Whether you are transitioning from teaching or you are pursuing an education in school administration from scratch, you will need to spend time in college before you can get your state license. In each state you are required to hold an administrator license if you are working in a public school setting. Every state has their own requirements for administrator licensing.
The first step is to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Teaching to earn your teaching license. Only after you have take the basic teaching courses to satisfy the teaching certificate requirements will you be able to move up to a graduate program. You will be required to have teaching experience before you will be eligible for a license in administration. You then need to apply to a Master’s degree program majoring in Educational Administration or Educational Leadership. Once you have the work experience and the graduate degree, you will be eligible to take the test to show you are competent enough to hold your license.
Resource: Top 10 Best Master’s Programs in Education (M.Ed)
What are you Tested on to Get an Administrator License?
The type of test that you must pass will depend upon the type of administration career you are pursuing. Superintendents may need a different license than a school principal would be required to hold. It is common for states to require you to take School Leadership Series tests through a non-profit agency called Educational Testing Service. There are 100 selected-response questions and 7 written constructed-response questions. SLS tests will evaluate your familiarity with the following:
- Vision and Goals
- Teaching and Learning
- Managing Systems and Safety in an Organization
- Collaborating with Key Players
- Ethics
- Integrity
- Education System
What are the Most Common Continuing Ed Requirements?
Once you take the necessary ETS tests and state-administered tests, you will be on your path to licensure. After you possess your license you do need to comply with the rules to keep and maintain your licensing status. An administration license renews every 5 to 6 years based on the state that you live in.
During this 5- or 6-year period, you are required to continue your education by taking allowable continuing education units. In most states, certificate holders must complete 50 hours of professional development through an accredited program that has been approved by the state. The actual credit or course requirements will depend on what the state determines, but you will need to complete a course in ethics each renewal period.
Administrators hold a great deal of responsibility. There is also a great deal of competition for public and private positions. Consider the demand for jobs and then start working towards your graduate degree. After you complete your degree, you will test and then take your continuing education courses to advance your career as a school administrator.
