If you’ve earned a master’s degree in building level administration and have a passion for helping students in K-12 schools, then you may have thought about pursuing the highly respected role of assistant superintendent. The school superintendent plays a critical part in running a school district, forming strong relationships within communities and ensuring students receive the best education possible.
The Northwest Missouri State University (Northwest) online Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) – Superintendent program, a degree above the M.S., equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a school superintendent.
What Is a School Superintendent?
School superintendents keep in mind one question: “What is best for all students?” Because the superintendent is regularly in communication with the school board, teachers, parents, staff and community, keeping students in mind while creating and maintaining relationships with everyone involved can be a challenge.
Indeed lists common responsibilities of a school superintendent, such as:
- Meeting and collaborating with school administrators
- Managing the budget and spending for the district
- Recruiting, hiring and evaluating school principals
- Ensuring schools adhere to policies and curricula
- Communicating school policies to all involved within the district
- Evaluating progress and identifying areas of improvement at schools
Due to their critical role, school superintendents often receive a promising salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for education administrators in Kindergarten through Secondary schools is $106,890.
Who Does the School Superintendents Report To?
School superintendents don’t just consider their own opinions and knowledge when making decisions. They must collaborate with the Board of Education, which is technically their boss.
According to a GreatSchools article, the Board of Education is vital to every school superintendent: “The board and superintendent work together to establish goals for the district, and then the superintendent must see to it that the goals are met. In a well-run district, the superintendent is evaluated regularly by the board, based on the goals that they have jointly set.”
The better a superintendent-Board of Education relationship is, the better a school system runs. If the Board of Education isn’t satisfied with the superintendent’s work, they can fire the superintendent and hire a new one.
How a School Superintendent Supports Education Efforts
School superintendent decisions impact students, faculty, staff and community members, so they must possess the necessary hard and soft skills to complete their jobs effectively. According to GreatSchools, signs of an effective superintendent include, but are not limited to, the following:
- A clear vision for the district
- Communication, management and listening skills
- Knowledge of the best practices for maximizing student achievement
- Flexibility and courage take risks and make commitments
If you find collaborating directly with others to provide top education opportunities to students, then becoming a school superintendent could be the career path for you.
Become a School Superintendent
The coursework provided in Northwest’s fully online Ed.S. – Superintendent program enhances your ability to become an effective leader in education. Courses such as the Relational School Leadership course, The Superintendency course and the School Personnel Administration course equip you with the skills to develop important relationships with the board of trustees, teachers, parents, staff and students.
Learn more about Northwest Missouri State University’s online Educational Specialist – Superintendent program.
