Degree Subject

Degree Level

Featured Schools

How to Become a School Superintendent

Rate!

  • Currently3.825/5 Stars
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
3.8 of 5 (by 40 reviewers)
Jump to Schools for School Superintendents

All school districts require highly trained leaders for the effective and efficient operation of all educational institutions. School superintendents are executive administrators that are responsible for the overall functions of a specific school district.

 

What does a school superintendent do?

School superintendents are responsible for managing all aspects of a school district and improving the quality of education. They create and implement policies and procedures, directly supervise all heads of departments, manage teachers and staff, develop educational goals and objectives, and develop and maintain budgets. They make decisions regarding pay raises, budget cuts, and hiring of new staff members. School superintendents handle difficult issues such as complaints related to the behavior of students, teachers, and staff members. They also handle renovations, projects, and school schedules. School superintendents often act as representatives for the media at school related events.

What kind of training does a school superintendent need?

School superintendents typically need at least a master degree in education, school administration, or other related field. Many have a doctorate degree and extensive experience in the education field. School superintendents must have a solid understanding of the principles of business management and the implementation of educational policy. They typically have to prove their abilities to a governing board of trustees for a school district. Most school superintendents begin their careers as teachers, principals, or school administrators and advance to higher-level positions after gaining the essential skills and experience. Many school superintendents have a superintendent professionals certificate. School superintendents must complete continuing education to keep their skills up to date and stay abreast on the current trends in the field.

What are the prospects for a career as a school superintendent?

Employment of school superintendents is expected to experience little to no change from 2008 to 2018 (1).

Job prospects are expected to be fair with strong competition due to the prestige and high salaries associated with this position. Individuals with advanced education and extensive related experience will have the best job opportunities. Some job openings will arise from the need to replace school superintendents that retire, transfer, or leave the field for other reasons.

How much do school superintendents make?

As of January 2010, the middle 50% of school superintendents earn annual salaries between $113,606 and $167,812. The top 10% earn annual salaries of more than $193,983 (2).

A career as a school superintendent is an excellent choice for individuals with extensive experience in education and the desire to perform a variety of tasks to ensure excellent education and overall productivity of a school district. School superintendents must ensure meaningful learning experiences that enable all students to reach their maximum potential and achievement. Determination, dedication, careful reasoning skills, excellent leadership ability, good problem solving skills, and effective decision-making abilities are necessary characteristics. School superintendents must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be comfortable working with a variety of students, teachers, and members of the community.

Now what? The next step is easy!

Take the first step today and request free information from our selected top online teaching and education schools, or simply use the form below to find the program that is right for you!

School Specific Programs

School NameCampus/Program Info

University of Phoenix

School Psychologist

Online Program

DeVry University

School Nurse

Online Program

Liberty University

School Principal

Online Program

Walden University

School Psychologist

Online Program

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

School Psychology

Irvine, CA

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

School Psychology

Grayslake, IL

Mercy College

School Building Leadership Advanced Cert

Yorktown, NY

Mercy College

School Building Leadership Advanced Cert

White Plains, NY

Mercy College

School Building Leadership

Manhattan, NY

Mercy College

School Building Leadership

Dobbs Ferry, NY

Mercy College

School Building Leadership

Bronx, NY

Mercy College

School Building Leadership Advanced Cert

Online Program

(1) SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition.
(2) SOURCE: Salary.com, Salary Wizard

 

Post a Comment!

To rate this article only, please use the "Rate!" form at the top of the page.

Review Title

Rating

Author

Comments

Recent Customer Comments

Be the first to write a review of this article!

Best CollegesCollege Spotlight

Education ArticlesRelated Articles

The following articles were found based on your selection:

 

Browse Jobs in Your Region:

Link to usSpread the Word!

Link to this page by simply copying and pasting the HTML code below:

Submit to StumbleUpon Digg This Fav This With Technorati Add to furl Submit to Newsvine Submit to reddit Share this article with your Twitter followers Blink This! Share on Facebook