Senior and executive leadership career positions in higher education
administration carry titles such as Director, Dean, Provost, Chancellor, and
President (and their subordinates, "assistant", "associate", "vice", or
"deputy"). Most of these roles fall into one of three areas: academics affairs,
student services, or business/administrative support. Each is rich in its areas
of responsibility. However, only positions in academic affairs require a
teaching and research background. So, while a Dean of the College of Arts and
Sciences must have been a professor in a department in the College, a Chancellor
of Student Services need never have been an academic at all. Instead, positions
in student services and university administration go to professionals with
degrees in higher education administration.

The Ladder of Choices

An advanced degree in higher education administration, ideally a Master’s in
Education or Ph.D. in Education, is key to a career running a university’s
business end or student services. The U.S. Department of labor reports there
were 132,000 postsecondary administrators in the United States as of 2004. Job
growth is projected to increase 9 to 17 percent, so job opportunities should
remain excellent. The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education
provides further evidence of growth at universities: the high school graduating
class of 2008-09 is projected to be the largest in history, with some 3.2
million students poised to continue their education. This means administrators
will be needed to manage this foreseeable growth in the student population.

Higher education administration isn’t just a first career choice. Many career
shifters have valuable transferable skills for academic leadership. The Wall
Street Journal’s CareerJournal.com notes that many ex-lawyers, for example, love
to design, plan, strategize, and invent–key requirements for student services
and business support leadership roles in higher education. Similarly, others
with technical skills such as accountants, database administrators, architects,
and business leaders possess abilities that will transfer easily from the
private sector to academic institutions. The chart below shows some of the many
administrative positions available to graduates with Higher Education degrees.
Only career paths listed in the center column require a background in teaching
and research:

Higher education administrative roles cover a diverse spectrum of
responsibilities and skill sets, providing abundant career options. Most
institutions today require a minimum of a Master’s degree to work in
administrative leadership positions where previously a Bachelor’s degree
sufficed; however, the Ph.D. in Education Administration is eclipsing the
Master’s as the degree of choice for career-minded professionals. To be
competitive for senior and executive level jobs in academia today, an Education
Administration Ph.D. is necessary to stand out.

Aside from the bountiful job choices and higher degree expectations of
education institutions today, there are two more reasons to earn your Education
Administration Ph.D.–pay and professional advancement.

Peak Pay for Top Administrators

First, the pay is getting better all the time, climbing to compete with
non-education administrative jobs and often topping them in benefits. The
Chronicle of Higher Education (the "industry" journal for higher education)
reports in its February, 2006, issue that administrators’ pay raises beat
inflation for the ninth consecutive time. To put the pay into perspective, the
chief executives of two-year colleges earned a median salary of $141,685, while
the chief executives at doctoral institutions earned a median salary of
$295,008. In Higher education administration, the intellectual and social
rewards of the career path are matched by the financial rewards.

Room at the Top

Second, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics shows about 6,000 jobs in
higher education administration will have to be filled annually between 2004 and
2014, the result of the field’s growth and the retirement of current workers.
The Chronicle comments in its September, 2006, issue that "the crunch may have
already begun: Andy Brantley, chief executive of the College and University
Professional Association for Human Resources, notes that ’search firms and
universities are beginning to experience difficulty in finding qualified and
prepared individuals for certain positions’." The graying of America continues
and pursuing the Education Administration Ph.D. now will have big dividends.

The Route Is Well Marked

The Education Administration Ph.D. degree path includes core courses in
leadership, legal aspects, supervision, human resources administration,
education finance and marketing, planning and operations, and technology
management in education. As with all doctorates, the degree requires original
research and courses in advanced research methodologies. Years of refinement by
the very schools you’ll work for have produced a degree that is well-thought-out
and matches national needs, yet it’s highly attainable for the working
professional. The curriculum is designed to produce active, reflective, and
conscientious administrators whose decisions and practices are born of the best
available theory, research, and experiential wisdom.

Whether it’s prestige, good pay and benefits, or the ongoing reward of
helping people succeed, administrative jobs at colleges and universities await
those who earn the degree to qualify for them.

Why teach? "I feel like I’m really giving something," explains elementary
school teacher Lori. For Dan Adame, it’s the ‘aha!’ factor: "I could actually
see the moment that students understood something which, to me, was like magic."
Fred chose to become a teacher because he "realized that teachers have a greater
impact than any other profession in the world."

The primary reward of being an educator is clear: the pure satisfaction of
imparting knowledge. But teachers face challenges as well, both interpersonal
and financial. Here’s an overview of what to expect from a career in education:
the triumphs and the challenges, the preparation and the road ahead.

Rewards

Meaningful Work. Educators, whether in teaching or administration, are driven
by a powerful mission: to provide the best education for their students. In an
interview of elementary school teachers, "meaningful work" ranked as the primary
draw of a teaching career. Many teachers had left lucrative careers as
accountants, lawyers, and engineers, in search of a more personally fulfilling
path.

Employees in education administration are a step removed from the classroom
‘frontlines,’ but they experience a similar sense of purpose. Kathleen
McCartney, dean of Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, misses teaching, but
appreciates the ‘big picture’ impact she has on educational quality. "It might
not be the same as helping students find enlightenment," she acknowledges, "but
I am finding great fulfillment from my efforts to help the school move forward."

The Joy of Teaching. Besides doing good, educators often take pleasure in the
learning process itself. The challenge of communicating a concept. The
creativity involved in devising a lesson plan. The personal engagement of
mentoring students. The intellectual engagement with a beloved subject–history,
biology, literature… These facets of teaching aren’t just important, they’re
also fun.

Variety. Every day is different, and unexpected. There isn’t one right way to
teach. As Abe, a high school teacher in Massachusetts, puts it: teaching is
"human, and fluid, constantly throwing surprises at you." It’s a dynamic and
exciting role.

Flexible Schedules. There’s no 9 to 5 daily grind. Many teachers take summers
off, or go on periodic sabbaticals. This is not to say they don’t work as hard,
but they often have more freedom to decide when, where, and how much they work.

Challenges

Besides the healthy challenge of the teaching itself, teachers face the
frustration of limited school resources. At the entry-level, many teachers are
paid significantly less than they would earn in business or industry. Most are
"not in it for the money," yet feel that their pay doesn’t reflect the
importance and difficulty of their work. Policy changes are underway to improve
school resources, however. The national shortage of teachers may drive up
compensation, as schools and local government step up their recruitment efforts.

Education administrators are in a better financial position and earn a median
$74,190, while teachers’ compensation comes in at $43,660. Higher education
administrators such as academic deans earn upwards of $100,000. In fact, higher
education administration made it into U.S. News & World Report’s "Best Careers
of 2007," as a career that combines intellectual and personal fulfillment with
generous compensation.

Learning to Teach

Before you take your place at the head of the classroom, expect to put in
some time as a student. Public school teachers are licensed by the state, and
requirements vary. Generally, the minimum qualification for teacher
certification is a bachelor’s degree (in any subject) and an approved teacher
training program. Some states require a master’s degree in education after a
specified period of time on the job.

Many teachers go on to education administration careers. A master’s degree in
education administration or leadership is typically required at this level, and
many administrators complete a doctoral degree as well. Higher education
administrators may begin in a staff position with a bachelor’s degree, but
graduate training in education administration or a related field is required for
the higher-level positions. Academic deans and top directors usually have a
Ph.D..

The Road Ahead

The retirement of many teachers and administrators over the next ten years
will create opportunities for educators. However, student enrollment is also
decreasing in many parts of the country. Education professionals may need to be
more flexible about where they live and what subjects they teach (science,
mathematics, and special education teachers are particularly needed; while
general elementary, physical education, and social studies positions are less
available) to maximize their career prospects. The demand for bilingual and ESL
teachers is also expected increase as more non-English-speaking students enter
the school system.

For committed educators, career prospects are simply the icing on the
cake–the "real reward," as one teacher puts it, "is teaching itself." Teachers
may face tight school resources, a restrictive bureaucracy, and unruly
classrooms. But dedicated educators spend their days studying and teaching
subjects they love to people they really care about; for many that’s the real
payoff.

Look back at your life and point to the people who made the biggest positive
difference. Parental figures and strong friendships may come to mind, but the
teachers who were there through your high school education likely had a large
impact on your career goals, your worldview, and perhaps–as a recent study
suggests–your sense of self. In fact, high school students often cite their
teachers as the most influential adults in their lives. If you’ve long wanted to
make a difference in your community, becoming a teacher at the high school level
could be a satisfying career move.

Educators among Important "Natural" Mentors

A recent study by Students Against Destructive Decisions found that teens who
identify at least one "natural" mentor in their life–a teacher, parent, or
other adult not assigned to them through mentoring programs–had a higher sense
of self, and were more likely to take positive risks like taking on volunteer
work or joining an athletic team.

Your teachers were an essential part of your growth, and now that you’re
enjoying the career and other benefits of "real life," you may want to give
something back by providing a role model for today’s students.

Online Education Courses Bridge the Gap

If you dream of making a difference in students’ lives as a high school
teacher, there are a number of ways to reach your goal. Depending on your
state’s regulations, any one of the following options could be available to you:

• For bachelor’s degree holders, completing a licensing program in your
  subject area of choice
• Obtaining a master of education degree (M.Ed.)
• Completing an alternative licensure program if you already hold a
  bachelor’s degree in your subject area of choice

If you’re coming to the profession from another career, you won’t need to
worry about feeling left out: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that
hiring managers in education often prefer to see a mix of first-profession
teachers directly out of school and teachers coming into the profession from
other careers.

Federal Government Offers Incentives for Education Schools

If the fear of incurring student debt has kept you from obtaining a master of
education degree, you should know that the federal government has taken measures
to help alleviate the problem of teacher shortages. Deferments–postponement of
payments–or full cancellations may be available if you take on a Perkins or
Stafford Loan. Teachers may be eligible for up to 100 percent loan forgiveness
if they work full-time as a:

• Teacher in a school serving low-income families
• Special-education teacher, ranging from infants to youth with disabilities
• Teacher of certain fields determined by your state to have a shortage of
  qualified teachers

As you research teaching degrees, be sure to also research your state’s loan
forgiveness policy and see if it’s possible to work with a loan forgiveness
program.

Online Teaching Degrees Offer Convenience

Working towards an education degree means you’re taking charge of your future
career, and online education courses simplify the process. Online teaching
degrees offer a number of benefits, including:

• The ability to study at your own pace with a full-time or part-time
  educational program
• Access to instructor assistance across a range of mediums
• Self-motivated education, without the hassles of a traditional campus
  schedule and commute

Many working adults choose to pursue an online master of education degree,
which allows students to continue working full time while balancing family
responsibilities with educational goals.

Financial Stability in High School Teaching Careers

While the financial rewards for teaching vary depending on your school
district and education level, most teaching careers offer stability to educators
with the highest educational attainment. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
reports that median annual earnings for teachers with a bachelor’s degree stood
at $31,704 for the 2003-04 school year, while median annual earnings for all
public elementary and secondary school teachers was higher, at $46,597.
Obtaining a master of education degree can significantly increase earnings.

For high school teachers, the rewards of a teaching career can be personal as
well as financial. Making a difference in the lives of students in your
community has an intangible benefit, and every day at work offers a new
opportunity to touch the lives of your students at a critical point in their own
educational development.

The poet Forest Witcraft once wrote that one hundred years from now, it won’t
matter what kind of car you drove or how much money was in your bank account,
but that you left the world a better place because you were important in the
life of a single child.

Teachers play an important role in the life of each and every child who
passes through their classrooms. But in addition to nurturing the leaders of
tomorrow, the 3.5 million teachers that currently work in the US enjoy a number
of benefits unique to the teaching field. If you are considering a career in
education, take a look at these reasons why teaching can be a worthwhile and
productive occupation.

1. Vacation!

No matter how much a teacher loves to teach, he or she probably looks forward
to that annual two- or three-month-long summertime break from the classroom.
Unlike workers with jobs that limit vacation time to a few weeks, many teachers
enjoy a flexible summer hiatus enabling them to take a long vacation, explore a
beloved hobby, or pursue a second job to pick up extra income.

Many teachers use the summer to continue with their education, perhaps even
pursuing a master’s in education. Getting a master’s degree can help raise your
salary, and many school districts are willing to pay for the continuing
education of their employees. Now that many accredited universities offer the
online master’s degree in education, many teachers are able to work toward a
higher degree without sacrificing their summer work or travels.

2. Demand for Teachers and Job Security

Education has been and always will be a priority for the American people. One
of the most comforting aspects of a career in teaching is the knowledge that
that there will be always be a need for teachers. In the past decade, our
country has experienced a significant shortage of qualified individuals with
education degrees. Large numbers of teachers are expected to retire over the
next 10 years, further augmenting the demand for good teachers.

Many states have instituted tenure laws that prevent teachers from being laid
off without a formal review process that is conducted by an outside review
board. Teachers are able to obtain tenure after, on average, five to six years
with the same school. Although tenure does not guarantee a job for life, it does
provide a great deal of job security.

3. Retirement Benefits

Workers with education degrees are blessed with some of the best retirement
packages of any profession. With specific formulas regulated by state law,
public school teacher retirement packages are safe, stable, and secure.
Retirement funds are created through state tax revenue and employee
contributions, but are funded primarily through income from investments. Details
of teacher retirement plans should be available on the state’s Department of
Education website.

Because retirement plans are usually guaranteed by the state in which you
teach, you will not assume any investment risk. Most teacher retirement plans
are subject to a high level of oversight from the state government, assuring
that individuals that pursue a teaching career will be taken care of when they
choose to retire.

4. Earnings

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average salary
for a teacher in 2004-2005 was just shy of $50,000. Though starting teacher
salaries average $31,000 nationwide, teachers have the opportunity to advance to
higher salary levels by continuing their educations. Some teachers get
additional housing supplements, and public school teachers have excellent
healthcare coverage and other benefits.

The key to advancing to a higher pay grade is advanced training and
education. Teachers with advanced degrees, such as the master’s of education,
earn significantly more than their counterparts with basic education degrees.
Many teachers achieve their training through online education courses that
increase their qualifications and lead to higher salaries.

5. Advancing to Education Administration

Some teachers find they prefer to manage schools rather than classes. But a
background in teaching isn’t the only route into education administration.
Managers or human resources directors can make the career shift into education,
as can anyone whose experience includes budgeting, public relations, and staff
supervision. For primary school administration positions, the love of children
and the willingness to work with parents are also essential traits.

Fortunately, making the shift into education administration is easier than
ever now that it’s possible to complete a Master’s of Education Administration
online. Online study means that the administrator-to-be won’t have to quit his
or her existing job to train for a new education career. According to the Bureau
of Labor Statistics, elementary principals pull down a median salary above
$74,000, with excellent benefits and solid job prospects.

6. Making a Difference

With an advanced degree in education or an online teaching degree, you could
be setting yourself up for a fun, well-compensated, and secure career in which
you will enjoy long summer vacations and a comfortable retirement. But despite
all these incentives, most teachers pursue a teaching career for the joy of
helping children learn and grow into dynamic, intelligent adults.

Students never forget their favorite teachers. Preschool, kindergarten, and
elementary school teachers play a vital role in the development of young
children, shaping their views of themselves and the world that will persist
throughout their lives. Teachers of younger children introduce their students to
many topics for the first time, planting the seeds of curiosity that can lead to
lifelong passions or careers. Teachers leave behind a legacy of love and
nurturing that can have effects that reach far beyond the classroom in which
they teach.