How To Become a Head Of School: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn about the steps important to pursuing a career as a head of school, including education, skills, salary and more.
A head of school is a top administrator in a school or educational institution. The head of school is responsible for the overall operation of the school, including its academic, financial and administrative functions. If you are interested in becoming a head of school, it is important to understand the requirements and duties of this position. In this article, we discuss the role of a head of school and the steps you need to take to pursue this career.
What Does a Head Of School Do?
The head of school is the top administrator at a school, responsible for the overall operation and management of the institution. The head of school typically reports to a board of trustees or directors and works with other administrators, faculty and staff to ensure the school is running smoothly and efficiently.
The duties of the head of school can vary depending on the size and type of school, but they may include:
- Developing and implementing educational policies and programs
- Hiring and supervising faculty and staff members
- Evaluating teachers and administrators
- Managing the budget and financial affairs of the school
- Overseeing the maintenance of facilities and grounds
- Serving as the primary spokesperson for the school
- Building relationships with parents, students and the community
- Fundraising to support the school’s programs and operations
- Ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations
Head Of School Salary and Job Outlook
The average salary for a head of school is $78,795. This figure can vary based on the size and type of school, as well as the location.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job prospects for heads of school to grow at an average rate over the next decade. This is due in part to the increasing number of schools and students. As the population continues to grow, there will be a need for more educational institutions and administrators, such as heads of school.
How to Become a Head Of School
Here are several steps you should take to become a head of school.
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field
A head of school typically holds a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field. Common fields of study for aspiring head of schools include early childhood education, special education, English, history, math and science.
While there are no specific degrees required to become a head of school, it is important to choose a program that will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this role. For example, if you want to work at a private school, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching (B.A.T.) may be beneficial because it provides more flexibility in course selection than a Bachelors of Science in Education (B.S.E.).
2. Gain experience as a teacher and administrator in a school setting
Most head of school positions require candidates to have at least five years of experience as a teacher and administrator. Consider working in a variety of roles, such as special education or English language arts (ELA) teacher, before applying for leadership positions.
You may also consider serving as an assistant principal or vice principal to gain more experience managing staff members and overseeing the day-to-day operations of a school. You can further develop your skills by volunteering with local organizations that support schools.
3. Consider earning a master’s degree or doctorate in educational leadership
While a master’s degree is not always required to become a head of school, many employers prefer candidates who have earned a doctorate or master’s degree in educational leadership. Earning a higher degree can help you gain more experience and develop skills that are essential for the job.
A master’s program in educational leadership typically takes two years to complete. You may take courses in instructional leadership, curriculum development, assessment and evaluation, teaching strategies and classroom management. A doctorate program usually lasts four years and includes coursework in research methods, administration theory and policy analysis.
4. Develop strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
As a head of school, you will interact with parents, teachers and other staff members on a regular basis. It is important to develop strong interpersonal skills so that you can communicate effectively with others and build relationships. You must also be able to communicate your vision for the school clearly and motivate others to work toward it.
You will need excellent organizational and time management skills as well. Since you are responsible for overseeing many different aspects of the school, you must be able to prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities accordingly.
5. Be familiar with current trends and issues in education
Trends in education can change rapidly, so it’s important for head of school candidates to stay informed about the latest developments. For example, many schools are moving away from traditional grading systems and adopting a more holistic approach to assessment. Head of school candidates should be familiar with these types of changes as well as other trends that may affect their role.
6. Join professional organizations such as the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is a professional organization that provides training and resources to school leaders. Joining this organization can help you learn about best practices in education, network with other head of school professionals and stay up-to-date on current issues in education.
You may also consider joining the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), which offers similar benefits as NASSP but focuses more on administrators at all levels of education rather than just secondary schools.
7. Learn how to manage budgets and finances
As a head of school, you are responsible for managing the finances of an entire organization. You may need to develop budgets and monitor spending to ensure that the school has enough funds to cover all its expenses.
You should also be familiar with tax laws and understand how they apply to schools. This knowledge can help you make decisions about things like employee benefits or tuition assistance programs.
