A school administrator must possess a specific set of skills to succeed in their role. Since administrators are leaders who hold different titles in administration, your actual professional duties will vary depending on the career path that you choose. You may be responsible for planning curriculum, performing interventions, meeting with parents, or setting school budgets for community-wide events and supplies for the students. Since you hold a lot of responsibility, you will need a diverse skill set. Here are some of the different qualities that you will need before you consider earning an advanced degree in school administration.
Resource: Top 10 Best Master’s Programs in Education (M.Ed)
Strategic Thinking Based
It is an administrator’s responsibility to analyze data and evaluations to make decisions in the institution. You need to be able to not just review data and metrics, but also use that data and apply it to develop clear strategies. These strategies will be used to improve the performance of students or to improve the outcomes of specific curriculum. If you are not a strategic thinker who can use data to make strategic decisions, this is something you should work on.
Time Management and Organization
In administration, it is very easy to feel overwhelmed if you do not manage your time well. Most experienced administrators will say that managing time is probably the most challenging aspect of the job and a skill that you will develop over time. You must be committed to organizing your day so that you can accomplish all of your duties and check off items that have the highest priority. If you are not organized or good with time management, effectively using your time so you can leave the office at a decent time each day will be difficult.
Be an Effective Leader and Lead by Example
Administrators are expected to lead teams of teachers and staff members. It is very difficult to earn a team’s respect if you do not motivate and inspire them. To be an effective leader, you need to be positive, patient and encouraging. You should address issues in the appropriate manner when they occur so that there is a resolution and the complaints do not keep piling up. Lead by example and be respectful and authoritative when necessary, to show that you are a good fit for administration roles.
Take the Time to Research Best Practices
Administrators have to learn as they go. This is true even when you have an advanced degree. Since best practices change from professional to professional and from institution to institution, it is important that you are a continuous learner. Being a skilled researcher who takes the time to understand best practices and how to apply them in your environment can really set you apart from other administrators. Schools always want professionals who think out of the box to help the school or the district meet its goals.
The number of students who are enrolling in schools is on the rise. As this number grows, the number of principals and other administrators that are needed to accommodate the students will rise, as well. If you have dreamed of working as a leader in the education sector, think about this role. If you have the right skills, begin to study for advanced degrees in education and administration to become a qualified school administrator.
