Western Governors University
An area superintendent works for the school district and is the person held responsible for meeting the educational and learning goals the district sets. Meeting these goals involves managing large teams of employees and engaging with teachers, students, and the wider community to ensure optimal learning outcomes for students. This high-pressure role requires thriving under scrutiny from parents and the community.
Responsibilities
Managing the workforce and finances.
An area superintendent may be asked to make high-level decisions, such as hiring principals or other administrative staff. They’ll need to be a good judge of character, working closely with the people they hire to reach the district’s educational goals. An area superintendent is also responsible for managing the school budget and allocating funds as they see fit.
Overseeing educational vision.
An area superintendent’s job is to meet the challenges facing education today, which will vary depending on what state and district they’re in. Some superintendents focus on raising test scores or making the school a welcoming place for students of all backgrounds. Whatever the goals are, they will be expected to meet the challenges with fresh energy and ideas every day.
Solving problems and working as a team.
An area superintendent’s job is also to combine the human and financial resources at his or her disposal to meet the set educational and learning outcomes. As such, this role requires excellent team management and leadership skills to succeed. Most superintendents work directly for the school district. Contracts are typically two to four years long, but renewal is possible for those who meet their goals.
Education & Experience Path
Step One: Become a Teacher.
A bachelor’s degree in education provides the teaching background necessary to be successful. It equips aspiring leaders with the latest knowledge of classroom technology and teaching theories.
Step Two: Obtain Credentials.
Praxis test(s) – general and subject‑specific.
A professional and criminal background check.
Step Three: Gain Teaching Experience.
After achieving certified teacher status, the next step is to accumulate two to three years of classroom experience. Knowledge of actual teaching is required for advancement.
Step Four: Earn a Master’s Degree.
An M.S. in Educational Leadership or an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction provides essential leadership, planning, and instructional skills.
Step Five: Acquire Administrative Experience.
Gain two to five years of experience as a principal or school administrator. This experience is a common stepping stone to becoming an area superintendent.
Step Six: Apply for Superintendent Positions.
With education and experience in place, begin applying for area superintendent openings.
Salary Median salary for an area superintendent in the public school sector was about $113,270 in 2020.
Projected Growth Projected 4% growth between 2019 and 2029, with approximately 218,300 job openings per year on average over the decade.
Skills
Teaching skills
Social and interpersonal skills
Problem-solving skills
Business skills
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Responsibilities
Managing the workforce and finances.
An area superintendent may be asked to make high-level decisions, such as hiring principals or other administrative staff. They’ll need to be a good judge of character, working closely with the people they hire to reach the district’s educational goals. An area superintendent is also responsible for managing the school budget and allocating funds as they see fit.
Overseeing educational vision.
An area superintendent’s job is to meet the challenges facing education today, which will vary depending on what state and district they’re in. Some superintendents focus on raising test scores or making the school a welcoming place for students of all backgrounds. Whatever the goals are, they will be expected to meet the challenges with fresh energy and ideas every day.
Solving problems and working as a team.
An area superintendent’s job is also to combine the human and financial resources at his or her disposal to meet the set educational and learning outcomes. As such, this role requires excellent team management and leadership skills to succeed. Most superintendents work directly for the school district. Contracts are typically two to four years long, but renewal is possible for those who meet their goals.
Education & Experience Path
Step One: Become a Teacher.
A bachelor’s degree in education provides the teaching background necessary to be successful. It equips aspiring leaders with the latest knowledge of classroom technology and teaching theories.
Step Two: Obtain Credentials.
Praxis test(s) – general and subject‑specific.
A professional and criminal background check.
Step Three: Gain Teaching Experience.
After achieving certified teacher status, the next step is to accumulate two to three years of classroom experience. Knowledge of actual teaching is required for advancement.
Step Four: Earn a Master’s Degree.
An M.S. in Educational Leadership or an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction provides essential leadership, planning, and instructional skills.
Step Five: Acquire Administrative Experience.
Gain two to five years of experience as a principal or school administrator. This experience is a common stepping stone to becoming an area superintendent.
Step Six: Apply for Superintendent Positions.
With education and experience in place, begin applying for area superintendent openings.
Salary Median salary for an area superintendent in the public school sector was about $113,270 in 2020.
Projected Growth Projected 4% growth between 2019 and 2029, with approximately 218,300 job openings per year on average over the decade.
Skills
Teaching skills
Social and interpersonal skills
Problem-solving skills
Business skills
#J-18808-Ljbffr