If you are looking to become a school superintendent, it is important to know what the job entails, how to prepare for the role, and what the salary expectations are for this career.
Pacific Oaks College’s online Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education, the first of its kind in California, is designed to develop leaders in the field through coursework in early childhood development, leadership, program design, and doctoral research. The program prepares graduates to design effective learning experiences, analyze and address educational policy issues, and advance the field through applied research. Graduates use their unbiased critical thinking skills to become catalysts of change in the educational world.
This degree does not automatically qualify one for the job of a school superintendent but rather can help bolster their resume and grow their knowledge in this field.
What Does a School Superintendent Do?
Superintendents oversee the day-to-day operations of a school district. They partner with the school board to ensure that all academic, security, transportation, and personnel operations abide by state and federal laws and regulations. Superintendents manage budgets and maximize school resources while maintaining relations with government agencies and stakeholders.
The goal of a school superintendent is to provide strong instructional leadership, stay up to date with effective technology integration, and enforce safety standards. They seek to improve student achievement and educational standards of students by developing and supervising school programs.
The specific duties of a superintendent may vary by state and school system.
How To Become a Superintendent
Education
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Typically in education, early childhood education, or a related field.
- Obtain a Teaching Credential: Teacher credentialing is required for most positions in education administration and varies by state.
- Complete a Master’s Degree: Most states require candidates to hold a master’s degree in elementary education, special education, educational leadership, or education administration to become superintendents of a public school district. Research the requirements for your state to learn more.
- Earn a Doctorate Degree: A doctorate degree may not be required by your state to become a superintendent, but obtaining a doctoral degree in education administration or a related field, such as a Doctor of Education in Early Child Education, helps give a competitive edge.
Experience
Traditionally, before pursuing a career as a superintendent, most candidates will need to earn experience in the classroom. After graduation with a bachelor’s and master’s, the path typically follows suit with state licensure and starting out as a teacher. It’s essential to gain plenty of experience as a teacher to learn firsthand how education policy is enforced, how students respond to the current academic standards, and where areas of opportunity for improvement lie.
After some years of experience teaching, most superintendent candidates will move into an administrative role, such as a principal. Before this transition, some decide to pursue a doctoral degree. The Pacific Oaks Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education is specifically tailored for those making the transition from classroom to administration or leadership.
Having several years of experience as such will help you gain valuable experience and knowledge of the active policies, the process of executing the educational programs, and overseeing faculty and staff management.
After years of administrative experience, it is typically appropriate to pursue a superintendent position. While this is the traditional path, some states do not require previous teaching experience in order to become a superintendent.
Licensure
- State Certification: Obtain the necessary administrative certification required, check with your state’s department of education for details on whether you’ll complete the ETS exam or a different test. The Educational Testing Services (ETS) is a common exam option for prospective superintendents, with educational, instructional, and administrative leadership multiple choice questions and three written response case study questions.
- Continuous Professional Development: Attend workshops, seminars, and additional coursework to stay updated on information on the latest trends and issues in education. Join AASA (The School Superintendents Association) for information on education policies and practices.
Some superintendents are elected to the position while most are appointed by the school board. Following these steps will not guarantee the role of superintendent. Rather, it is a guideline to meet the education, experience, and licensure requirements expected of prospective candidates.
What Is the Average Superintendent Salary?
The national average of a superintendent’s salary is approximately $179,137, with a salary range of $146,337 to $216,157. The average education superintendent’s salary varies by state, school district, experience, and educational background.
Bolster Your Resume To Become a Superintendent
Pacific Oaks College’s Online Doctor of Education in Early Childhood Education program empowers graduates to become leaders and advocates capable of effecting meaningful change and fostering healthy and active learning and teaching environments.
By focusing on social justice, inclusivity, diversity, and respect, this program equips future educators with the skills to address critical issues in education. Graduates are prepared to enhance educational outcomes for young students and contribute to the advancement of academics through strategic oversight and innovative program implementation.
Pacific Oaks College developed this doctorate program to address the demand for prepared and experienced advanced leadership within the early childhood education field. Students will learn invaluable knowledge that will prepare them for the role of superintendent, such as:
- Analyzing education policy for concerns and how to create solutions to address any concerns.
- Pushing the field forward with research methodology that utilizes critical thinking.
Although earning an Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education is not required to become a school superintendent, it does help bolster your resume in addition to the knowledge and skills taken away from the degree program. With some states not requiring teaching experience, or enacting legislation to make it easier for people to become superintendents, this results in a larger number of candidates eligible to apply for superintendent jobs. This makes it even more important to have specialized degrees, such as an Ed.D., to impart the specialized knowledge and experience that will help you stand out among candidates.
If you’re interested in elevating your education career and gaining the skills to stand out in a competitive job market, learn more about the Ed.D. in Early Childhood Education. Our program is online and designed for working professionals to complete on their own schedule. Request more information today.
