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One field that underwent massive changes since the pandemic was education. K-12 classroom education has since been rewired through EduTech.
However, systemic issues prevail and are too grievous to be ignored. This sector is grappling with overburdened counselors, burnt-out teachers, and worn-down administrators. There is a pressing need for educational leaders to bring about positive changes.
Plus, it will help neutralize the effects of growing turnover and a rise in demand. Do you also wish to drive better learning outcomes by pursuing a leadership position in education?
This article will discuss how to do so along with the various career paths open before you.
How to Pursue the Path of Leadership in Education?
If you’re looking to make a lasting change in the educational field, you need to establish yourself in a leadership role. It’s best to start by assessing your leadership readiness. Since you’re reading this article, we believe that aspect is clear.
The next step is to build a strong leadership foundation. This is best possible through a relevant course like a Doctor of Education or EdD. The focus of EdD programs online or offline is to prepare students for leadership and administrative roles in the education sector.
According to Marymount University, such programs focus on specific leadership topics such as change management, systems thinking, and strategic planning.
Both theoretical and practical knowledge will be provided to develop skills necessary for directly influencing an educational institution.
Once you’re through with the course, you must build your professional network through training and internship opportunities.
Consider participating in leadership development programs and look for ways to lead school initiatives. Finally, you can land your first leadership role through different educational agencies.
Roles to Drive Changes in Education
Now, let’s look at four different leadership positions you can pursue in the field of education. Each will help you become an influential figure, helping you drive change and achieve greater outcomes.
1. School Principal or College President
A school principal or a college president is the highest authority in the said institutions. These professionals are responsible for setting up and executing their organization’s strategic vision. The purpose is to raise the institution’s profile on a local, national, and even international level.
As this figure of authority, you will have to organize fundraising events, deliver speeches before the government and lawmakers, or recommend policies to the Board of Trustees. In 2023, there were over 300,000 job openings for a school principal.
This includes openings at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. As for college presidents, they must ensure that their institutions continue as a freestanding university in the long run. In a recent survey, 82% of presidents were confident that their institution would be stable over the next five years.
Stability comes from not just managing the budget, but also other aspects, including –
- Preparing for change
- Understanding the organizational climate
- Administering academic programs carefully
- Nurturing relationships with stakeholders
- Representing and advocating for the institution
2. Chief Learning Officer (CLO)
The onset of the pandemic exposed many loopholes present within the education system. Essentially, schools and universities were struggling to keep up with the new normal of digital learning.
This was one event that highlighted the importance of a Chief Learning Officer (CLO). These educational leaders are responsible for helping a university deal with similar unpredictable black swan events.
This does not mean that a CLO would participate in redesigning the curriculum or developing the faculty. Their primary role is to transform an institution’s culture in a manner that is flexible enough to overcome periods of rapid change.
Even the World Economic Forum (WEF) talks about the rise of the CLO in general. This leadership role is all about skilling and upskilling employees to keep pace with the generational shift in the workforce.
As an education CLO, you will be in a position to directly influence your students’ learning experience.
3. Professor or Lecturer
If you’ve always wanted to teach courses at the university level, it is possible with the said Doctorate of Education degree. As a college professor or lecturer, you will be responsible for teaching a specialized course in a university.
Not only that, this role will require you to organize seminars, grade assignments, and conduct research to share new knowledge in the field. Keep in mind that the research responsibility is higher in the case of professors than lecturers.
We often tend to overlook the vital role professors and lecturers play in driving lasting institutional change. Their leadership role enables them to guide students in academic matters, serve across departmental boards, and even contribute to administrative tasks.
That means these individuals leverage their position to inspire action on important subjects and shape public discourse.
The job outlook for college professors has maintained a good 8%, which is faster than the national average. In 2023, there were over 1.3 million job openings.
4. Curriculum Director
Another influential position to drive institutional change is that of a curriculum director. This professional participates in overseeing the development and evaluation of an institution or district’s curriculum.
They aim to ensure the current curriculum aligns with the changing learning needs of students. Accordingly, the curriculum director will also organize professional training opportunities for faculty members.
They will also collaborate with stakeholders and administrators to gather feedback on the curriculum. Data analysis is also required to identify areas of improvement and adjust the curriculum.
If you wish to take part in helping students reach their maximum learning potential, consider this as your career path.
According to Forbes, higher education in the US has been a subject of criticism. 2023 was a year of watershed moments with enrollment and employment challenges.
Thankfully, 2024 was looked upon with the hope of profound growth and reaffirmation. However, this vision depends on the following factors, now and going forward –
- A recommitment to institutional mission and goals
- Prioritizing faculty, not just students
- Connecting with communities and building partnerships
- Bold leadership instead of weak responses and capitulation
Conclusion
Leadership in education is not merely about overseeing institutions but shaping futures. Whether you aspire to be a principal, a chief learning officer, or a curriculum director, the impact you can create through these roles is profound.
The challenges in the educational landscape demand strong, innovative leaders equipped with the right knowledge and skills.
By pursuing relevant qualifications and building practical expertise, you can rise to meet these challenges and inspire positive change. The future of education depends on bold, visionary leadership—and that future could include you.
FAQs: Leadership Roles in Education
1. What qualifications are essential for pursuing leadership roles in education?
To pursue leadership roles, a doctorate like the EdD (Doctor of Education) is highly recommended. These programs cover essential areas such as change management, strategic planning, and systems thinking, equipping professionals with the tools to drive meaningful institutional change.
2. What are the main responsibilities of a school principal or college president?
These leaders manage strategic vision, ensure financial stability, and advocate for their institution. Responsibilities include overseeing academic programs, nurturing stakeholder relationships, and preparing the institution for long-term growth and adaptability.
3. How does a Chief Learning Officer differ from a traditional academic leader?
A Chief Learning Officer focuses on creating a culture of adaptability to handle rapid changes. While they do not directly influence curriculum or faculty, they drive transformation by aligning institutional strategies with evolving technological and societal demands.
4. What is the scope of a curriculum director’s work?
A curriculum director ensures that the educational content meets current student needs. They oversee curriculum evaluation, organize faculty training, analyze data to improve learning outcomes, and collaborate with administrators and stakeholders.
5. How can I build the necessary network to succeed in educational leadership?
Participate in leadership development programs, seek internships, and lead initiatives in schools or educational agencies. Networking with professionals in similar roles and joining educational associations can also provide opportunities for growth and mentorship.
By addressing these key questions, aspiring educational leaders can find the clarity and confidence they need to embark on a fulfilling career in shaping the future of education.
