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Job outlook for education program managers in the United States
Are education program manager jobs in demand?
Education program manager job and salary trends over time
Education program manager jobs over time
Education program manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,464 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,459 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,465 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,403 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,328 | 0.00% |
Average education program manager salary over time
Education program manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $62,424 | $30.01 | +3.6% |
| 2024 | $60,227 | $28.96 | +2.8% |
| 2023 | $58,586 | $28.17 | +1.9% |
| 2022 | $57,491 | $27.64 | --0.9% |
| 2021 | $58,012 | $27.89 | +1.8% |
Education program manager jobs by state
Most common states for education program managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 608 | 88% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,949 | 40% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 209 | 28% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 340 | 25% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 241 | 25% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 251 | 24% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,562 | 23% |
| 8 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,840 | 22% |
| 9 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 234 | 22% |
| 10 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 737 | 21% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,123 | 20% |
| 12 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 847 | 20% |
| 13 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,081 | 19% |
| 14 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 592 | 19% |
| 15 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,134 | 17% |
| 16 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,486 | 17% |
| 17 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,177 | 17% |
| 18 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,050 | 17% |
| 19 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 330 | 17% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 265 | 15% |
Most common cities for education program managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medina | 1 | 4% | $58,933 |
| 2 | Cambridge | 2 | 2% | $70,994 |
| 3 | Duluth | 2 | 2% | $63,502 |
| 4 | Beavercreek | 1 | 2% | $55,554 |
| 5 | Daytona Beach | 1 | 2% | $49,443 |
| 6 | Des Plaines | 1 | 2% | $70,418 |
| 7 | Euclid | 1 | 2% | $59,425 |
| 8 | Cincinnati | 2 | 1% | $54,327 |
| 9 | Boston | 3 | 0% | $71,049 |
| 10 | Cleveland | 1 | 0% | $59,269 |
| 11 | Philadelphia | 1 | 0% | $63,355 |
| 12 | Sacramento | 1 | 0% | $85,363 |
| 13 | Washington | 1 | 0% | $75,870 |
Education Program Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of education program manager experts
Soka University of America
Catholic University of America
Plymouth State University
Winona State University
Medaille College
West Virginia University
Purdue University
Midland University
University of West Georgia
Boston University
SUNY College at Oswego
Utah Valley University
Nicholls State University
California State University, San Bernardino
Western Carolina University
Auburn University at Montgomery
Maryville University
What general advice would you give to an Education Program Manager?
Dr. Terry McDaniel Professor Emeritus: If you are in educational leadership for the money, you are in the wrong career. Public school districts are governmental agencies dependent of tax dollars. Private schools often have even less fund at their disposal. So many options are limited. But a few things a candidate can do is to be sure to be familiar with what the last leader’ salary and benefits were. Also, do your homework. Look at surrounding school districts as well as districts comparable in size to see what their leaders are receiving. Be willing to start at a high number and negotiate to get the maximum package you can secure. One strategy I like to recommend is to ask what the district is paying in terms of the total salary and benefit package. What is the district paying for salary, insurances, allowances, retirement benefits, etc. Then study what is important to you. Suggest dividing the package differently. For instance, if your spouse has health insurance and you do not need this benefit, perhaps the district could offer this about in a different area such as retirement benefits, salary, or another allowance.
Daniella Varela Ed.D.
Assistant ProfessorWhat Education Program Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Daniella Varela Ed.D.: First, let’s come to terms with the fact that educators don’t go into education for the money. Right? We know what the earning potential, and we know that pursuing advanced degrees can help in increasing that amount. So what will set you apart even more and possibly position you for being able to negotiate more pay are the additional skills, certifications, qualifications and areas of expertise. Seek out and complete trainings, licensing programs, professional development sessions, etc. so that you become the resident or in-house expert. Pursue training for example in emotional intelligence, mental health first aid, or even some of the more up and coming things like artificial intelligence. Add to and diversify your repertoire so that you are in demand.
What general advice would you give to an Education Program Manager?
Ryan Allen: Education goes beyond teaching in a classroom or school. Often people hear 'Educational Leadership' and they think of some kind of school principal or other administrator. These are certainly important careers for the space, but they are only a part of a broader range of possibilities. There are a range of careers in the EdTech space, for instance, that need good people who understand various aspects of what happens in classrooms. Likewise, educational development and the NGO world are full of amazing opportunities that offer exciting careers that are rewarding. These jobs might see a lot of travel and broader global connections that you don't often see in the traditional K-12 space.
What Education Program Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ryan Allen: I don't think there is any one skill that will prepare students for even the next 3-5 years. Things are changing so fast in our sector. Think back to just five years ago, there was no global COVID-19 pandemic nor Chat-GPT. Things are fluid, especially in the field of education right now. The main thing I want my students to understand in my classes is that they should be learning to learn. This means that they might not always have an answer to every questions, but they also have the confidence to find an answer out there somewhere. I don't think this concept can be categorized as just one skill, but rather a broader ethos that I hope my students attain after our program.
What will help Education Program Managers increase their earning potential?
Ryan Allen: I think being willing to move to a new location, even sometimes across the world, can be one of the things that helps propel a career. In the educational leadership space, someone may end up at a place they like, but career advancement is limited because the person above them also likes that place. Depending on the location or institution, these can be desirable roles. One way to overcome these issues is to move to another institution, sometimes even in a lateral move with an eye moving up. There is no shame in getting more experience elsewhere and then moving back later. In fact, I think seeing a wider range of different schools, organization, or other educational institutions can be a great way to bring fresh ideas back with you if you do return. I understand moving (especially abroad) is not always an option for people, but it might even just be moving to a different school down the road. Grow through your options.
What will help Education Program Managers increase their earning potential?
Ellen Fisher: Starting a career in educational leadership is exciting. I started as a volunteer teacher overseas and then fell in love with the profession! My advice to new graduates would be to prioritize continuous learning, seek mentorship, and be open to diverse perspectives. You never know where an opportunity, discussion or job may pop up. I've received job offers from schools I had never heard of because I was constantly networking. The field of education is constantly evolving so there are new opportunities and areas to explore.
Christopher Rivera PhD
ProfessorWhat Education Program Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Christopher Rivera PhD: While it's true that educators may not be amongst the highest in salary earnings, there are several things beginning teachers can do to maximize their salary potential. The first piece of advice would be to ask about what incentives each school/district is offering first year teachers. There are often several bonuses that are provided to educators, particularly to those in high needs areas (e.g., math, special education, science). Each district may offer different incentive packages, so it's important that beginning teachers do their homework and shop around. Many states also provide pay raises for teachers who receive their National Board Certification (https://www.nbpts.org/). I encourage all teachers to see what the requirements are and if their state will provide some sort of incentive for obtaining this certification. In North Carolina, teachers can get 12% pay increase as well as other incentives.
What will help Education Program Managers increase their earning potential?
Christopher Rivera PhD: Prepare yourself mentally. Teaching internships and being a first-year teacher are two different kinds of experiences. As an intern, there are certain scaffolds that are put in place to protect you and guide you through your teaching experience. Every school has its own culture and will not always align with your experience during your internships. Be prepared to experience work dynamics that can't always be accounted for or replicated while in your teacher preparation program (e.g., dealing with upset parents, dealing with disgruntled colleagues). I think it's also important to keep in mind, unlike many other professions, teachers have several schools they can select from when searching the job market. Take your time to interview to multiple schools and see which best fits you.
Christian Bisson Ed.D.
Professor of Adventure Education Adventure Education Program CoordinatorPlymouth State University
Outdoor Education
What general advice would you give to an Education Program Manager?
Christian Bisson Ed.D.: The normal path for increasing one's salary in the field of outdoor adventure education or recreation, is to quickly accumulate a lot of good field experience, let say 100 weeks of field work within 3 to 4 years, then start seeking promotions within a good organization or send applications to other companies/schools/organizations offering management or administrative leadership positions.
What skills stand out on Education Program Manager resumes?
Steven Baule: The key focus for any educational leader must be the ability to improve learner outcomes. This can be measured in a wide range of ways, from graduation rates, test scores, improved attendance rates, etc. A second important consideration for an educational leader is the ability to manage professional development and mentor the educators under their charge. Given today's mixture of remote and traditional learning, experience in engaging online students will be sought after. Experience in leading or working in diverse settings will also be highly desirable.
What soft skills should all Education Program Managers possess?
Steven Baule: Communications skills are essential for all leaders regardless of industry. Educational leaders have to be able to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders ranging from students through parents to staff and community leaders. Skills and experience in managing student behaviors are often one of the most sought-after sets of soft skills, and aspiring educational leaders will nearly always be queried on their experiences on this front during interviews.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Education Program Managers?
Steven Baule: The needed technical skills will vary based upon the organization looking to employ the educator. In more online-focused institutions, expertise with learning management systems and student information systems might be desirable. However, beyond strong instructional skills, educational leaders need to be able to analyze student data gathered from both classrooms and standardized tests in order to develop effective school improvement plans. This ability to measure student success is essential given the current culture of accountability in most areas of the county.
What skills will help Education Program Managers earn the most?
Steven Baule: Bilingual leaders and others with experience in working with diverse cultures will be the most highly sought after as America's student population becomes more diverse. Strong technical skills, strong instructional skills, and documented experience in implementing successful school improvements are always in demand. Experiences with a variety of learning management systems and other administrative systems may also command larger salaries in some situations.
Colleen Wilkinson
Associate Professor, Program DirectorMedaille College
Department of Education
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Education Program Manager job market given the pandemic?
Colleen Wilkinson: Given the pandemic, I believe Teacher Candidates will need to highlight any technology skills they have acquired during schooling on their resumes and be comfortable speaking, during interviews, about how they incorporate technology into their instruction. Hiring committees, specifically parents on these committees, are also going to want to hear about engagement practices the Teacher Candidate plans to use. The pandemic saw a lot of passive learning taking place. This isn't best practice, it isn't what is best for children, specifically those with special needs. There are many high-engagement practices that can occur virtually and on-ground. Hiring committees are going to want to hear about these practices from the Teacher Candidate. They want to know what the Teacher Candidate will do differently in the same situation.
What soft skills should all Education Program Managers possess?
Colleen Wilkinson: Teaching is not a silo profession. We are in constant communication and collaboration with many stakeholders. Teacher Candidates need to be flexible in order to work well with all the different players in the game to make sure the student wins!
How have salaries changed over time for Education Program Managers?
Colleen Wilkinson: While salaries have increased with the cost of living and inflation, New York State still has the highest average salary for teachers. Most districts increase teacher salaries based on Educational opportunities individual teachers participate in. Teachers are constantly learning, and the more learning you do, the higher your salary will go. For those looking to teach out of NYS, make sure to look into moving expenses and such. Some districts in different states will pay moving expenses due to the high needs they have for highly qualified teachers, specifically with a Special Education degree.
Stephanie Lorenze
Service Associate Professor, Coordinator for Teacher EducationWest Virginia University
Department of Curriculum and Instruction/Literacy Studies
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Education Program Managers?
Stephanie Lorenze: Certainly all of us who have experienced the pandemic will move forward having been impacted. As future teachers, our candidates will have gained the experience of learning and teaching in remote environments. This could prove to be significant as teachers in the field rarely have the remote learning experience that these graduates will have. Their perspective in this role has potential to positively impact their online teaching and learning strategies for future school children. Additionally, these graduate are going into the field with a greater awareness and aptitude for quick shifts in the mode of their instruction and delivery. I look for these folks to be resilient as the future of schooling in the US evolves post-pandemic.
What's a day at work look like for an Education Program Manager?
Stephanie Lorenze: They wish they knew, honestly. This uncertainty is challenging. We are supporting them as they approach this time with support in self-care and professional strategies for sustainability in the emotional and academic work of teaching.
What will help Education Program Managers increase their earning potential?
Stephanie Lorenze: Legislators and communities who value their work through actions.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Education Program Manager job market given the pandemic?
Alice Johnson: The pandemic prompted teacher exodus have left teacher job vacancies wide open. I do not believe graduates who become certified will have difficulty securing jobs. Graduates who are culturally competent and can provide effective learning experiences across lines of difference will be in even higher demand.
What soft skills should all Education Program Managers possess?
Alice Johnson: Graduates really need to come to the classroom with 'nurturing' mindset. As many of us grew up in a 'compliance' era, it is easy to simply 'expect' students to simply 'do as I say'. Effective teaching and learning can only go so far under compliance oriented educational learning environments. It's more than just being loving and kind; it is having an understanding that all students come to the school with different experiences, backgrounds, funds of knowledge and paradigms, differing personality types that manifest in varying observable behaviors. Too often, people, teachers included, act and react in ways that are not helpful because we tend to project our own personality types onto others and make incorrect assumptions about others' meaning. I think teachers need leadership skills with emphasis on how to facilitate positive relationships among students to build community within their classrooms.
How have salaries changed over time for Education Program Managers?
Alice Johnson: As the Indiana legislature continues to disregard public schools and divert educational resources to private and public charter schools, teacher pay has stayed stagnant over the past 10 years in Indiana with the expectation for the pay gap between other states and careers to widen even further over the next several years.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Education Program Manager job market given the pandemic?
Dr. George Conrad: In education the pandemic has created two major trends, since last March.
The use of technology to provide effective lessons for students through virtual classes has been a challenge for teachers. One issue is in the technology itself. Teachers most often must rely on their own computers and notebooks along with their own home internet networks to deliver instruction. This issue is coupled with the availability of the internet and with computers and notebooks available to students.
Even if the technology is provided, teachers must find ways to engage students with meaning full lessons and ways to assess student learning. To gage learning and to monitor and adjust student engagement takes far more planning.
Finally, teacher training institutions need to help future teachers with understanding and applying new uses for technology based instruction. This can be difficult as different districts adopt different types of delivery systems.The good news for future teacher graduates is that, if they are willing and comfortable to master technology skills along with content knowledge, more and more teaching positions will be available.
Most all states have a teacher retirement system and retirement amounts increase with the number of years of service. In my experience, most practicing teachers teach beyond the minimum years needed to "retire." As a result of the pandemic, and the fear of contracting Covid, more and more teachers that I have contact with are looking seriously at retiring sooner than originally planned. This may change with the use of vaccines, but, again, this is good news for future teacher graduates. I predict that more and more teachers will be retiring and providing more an more positions available to new graduates.
What skills stand out on Education Program Manager resumes?
Dr. George Conrad: In my past experience as an HR administrator and superintendent, skills tend to be measured by experiences. If a new graduate can demonstrate that they have had a number of experiences with children in AND outside the classroom, they will appear to be a stronger candidate. Endorsements are also important. For example, when working with candidates who are seeking an endorsement in elementary education, I encourage them to also consider supplemental endorsements in areas such as special education, early childhood, or English a second language. This makes them more marketable.
While difficult to reflect on a resume, finding ways to illustrate their dispositions is also important. Teaching is far more than skills. How does a candidate show that they have empathy or a desire to make a difference in their students' lives? Many school districts in Nebraska are familiar with the use of Gallup's CliftonStrengths (the new term for StrengthFinder). As a result, candidates who can provide their 5 top strengths on a resume, draws additional attention.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Education Program Managers to find work opportunities?
Dr. George Conrad: As the population of teachers begin to age, more and more positions are becoming available. As we continue to see population growth in Southwestern States, teaching positions will continue to grow.
The real answer for future candidates is their willingness to teacher high large metropolitan cities and rural communities. Most large cities are surrounded with suburban school districts. With the movement to a suburban live style, more and more cities deal with student populations of color and with more than average poverty. If a candidate is willing to consider this challenge, they can find highly rewarding careers. This is especially true for candidates of color.
On the other side of the population movement, more and more rural areas are seeing a reduction in students and also seeing a reduction in the number of new teachers interested in moving to small communities to begin their career. As a result, candidates interested in work in "small town" American can find rewarding opportunities to build relationships with students and families (I started my career in a 3-room country school in the 70's and I originally came from outside Chicago).
Dr. Robyn Huss
Associate Professor and Coordinator of Initial Teacher Certification ProgramsUniversity of West Georgia
Department of Early Childhood Through Secondary Education
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Education Program Managers?
Dr. Robyn Huss: Yes, there will be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on graduates of teacher education programs. Though 2020 will be remembered as the year of the pandemic and global lockdowns, it will also be remembered as the year education moved online for all grade levels.
In teacher preparation programs at the University of West Georgia, candidates take a series of courses with field experiences. Many interns began learning to teach online as soon as the lockdowns occurred in March 2020, and since then through their accompanying coursework, there has been a more intentional approach to preparing candidates with digital resources to enhance their teaching. Candidates are placed in schools where digital learning occurs, and they have field experiences developing instruction, engaging students in activities, and assessing learning outcomes under the mentorship of a cooperating teacher, within school buildings as well as via online learning platforms. In the fall of 2020, most public school districts in Georgia began offering both in-person and online options for students, so it is a benefit that teacher candidates are able to practice teaching in both modalities, including some who experience hybrid classrooms.
The scope of digital learning will decrease as more K-12 students return to school buildings full time. However, the capabilities and variety of online instructional resources and student engagement models that the pandemic forced into an accelerated implementation will endure, and teaching and learning will be better for it. Teachers will adapt to the choices that have been made available with their recent experiences in digital instruction, which will enable them to be more responsive to the learning needs of their students, both with and without the use of technology.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Education Program Managers?
Dr. Robyn Huss: The online learning expectation that the pandemic thrust upon our educational systems has changed the outlook for what new teachers will be expected to know and be able to do. In today's environment of digital learning, principals may be more likely to hire educators who have had experience teaching in the virtual realm. Therefore, recent graduates should be encouraged to include digital teaching experiences on their resumes. If they don't have firsthand teaching experience, perhaps they can highlight online courses in which they have excelled, so potential employers will know they have at least some familiarity with digital learning and online educational platforms.
Beyond earning a teaching certificate, I would encourage both beginning teachers and those preparing to enter the job market to continue their education by enrolling in a graduate-level course in online instruction. For example, the University of West Georgia offers a state-certified Online Teaching Endorsement, which can be added to a teaching certificate after completing the four required online courses; the endorsement courses can also be embedded within a graduate degree program. Alternatively, educators can earn a Master of Education in Instructional Technology; completion of this fully online, advanced degree program would prepare them for teaching online or working as an instructional technologist as well as qualify them to receive a pay increase.
What will help Education Program Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Robyn Huss: Public school teachers in Georgia, as in many states, are paid on a set salary schedule determined by their years of teaching experience and their highest degree achievement. Earning a graduate degree at the next level is the quickest route to a pay raise, which in turn increases their retirement benefits.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Education Program Manager job market given the pandemic?
V. Scott Solberg Ph.D.: The single biggest trend in the job market, whether related to education or otherwise, is that today's adults must understand in order to be competitive within a 4th industrialized world of work, they must be ready to describe their deep human skills (i.e., advanced social emotional learning skills) and technical skills as well as explain how these skills transfer in supporting the needs and expectations of the company and occupations to which they are applying. Today's adults must also be ready to describe how they are managing their continued professional development so they can keep up with the latest advancements in technology so that they can do their work in an efficient and high-quality manner. What this means is that employers are looking for the skills that cannot be replaced by robots or AI - they need individuals who understand the unique person qualities and technical skills and talent that will add value to team projects. Career management skills include being able to acquire the deep human person qualities and technical skills that align to specific occupation sectors.
Educators must be able to work with media and graphic design, work in teams to create learning programs that are designed around meaningful and research-based learning objectives, and connect with their students using strong social emotional learning skills (SEL) as well as facilitate students in developing their own SEL skills. And, educators need to recognize that there are hundreds of occupations within and outside of education that align to their key skills which include active listening, active learning, critical thinking, monitoring, public speaking, writing, complex problem solving, management of personnel, time management, coordination and collaboration with others, instructing, persuasion, service orientation and social perceptiveness. These skills are a few of the many listed in ONETonline.org's advanced skills list which lists over 450 occupations that one can grow into by acquiring key technical skills, certification, and/or advanced degrees.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Education Program Managers?
V. Scott Solberg Ph.D.: The information and computer technology and health sciences sectors are two promising future employment arenas to consider. Within information and computer technology, data science skills are in high demand. For both information and computer technology and health sciences there are a range of certifications one can receive from a two-year postsecondary institution that lead to high wage occupations. The new byword is "stackable credentials" whereby one adds more than one credential that results in a wider range of occupational opportunities as well as the ability to move up in pay within a given sector.
How have salaries changed over time for Education Program Managers?
V. Scott Solberg Ph.D.: In education, salaries vary by region of the country. It is important to use Onetonline.org to consider the salaries in your local region or find areas of the country you want to consider. There are also a wide range of salaries depending on what type of occupation you are seeking within education.
Angela Perrotto
Assistant Professor and Department Chair of the Educational LeadershipSUNY College at Oswego
School of Education
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Education Program Managers?
Angela Perrotto: In terms of acquiring jobs, I believe not - although school budgets are extremely tight in response to the demands the virus has placed on districts.
In terms of impact: the virus has forced all of us to come to terms as quickly as possible with HOW technology has transformed the way we learn. This does not mean that schools will be remote teaching from here on. In many cases, for legitimate reasons, schools were slow to take on technology "for the masses". There is strong evidence as to how technology has changed the business, entertainment, educational, and industrial worlds. What the pandemic has done is force schools to think very creatively and to move as quickly as possible to continue to provide learning opportunities for students when they were not able to attend the brick and mortar buildings. We are learning a lot and moving as quickly as possible.
What has this done for our graduates? The graduates of 2021 in our program have dealt with, investigated, solved issues for schools, and researched ways to maximize student success in these pandemic times. Their program has been online because of the pandemic. Their school jobs, for the most part, are partially or completely online. As CAS students, they are solving issues with transition plans for students, professional development plans for teachers, social emotional supports for both staff and students, curricular and pedagogical strategies and plans in order to meet the individualized needs of students, building multi-tiered systems of supports for students, partnering opportunities with community agencies for families......This has been the work of our CAS students who will graduate in 2021 and 2022. They will surely need and use these skills as they move into their future as school and district leaders.
Projections do not indicate there will be any shortage of leadership jobs. On the contrary, data for the next several years indicates there will be many retirements.
What's a good job out of college for Education Program Managers?
Angela Perrotto: We track the data for leadership job acquisition for our graduates every year. Upon graduation, our graduates are successful in acquiring jobs as Assistant Principals, Principals and Directors (Technology, Pupil Services, Athletics, Special Programs, etc.).
What will help Education Program Managers increase their earning potential?
Angela Perrotto: For the most part, leaders should stay in their position long enough to be certain systems are in place. Every system, of course, is centered upon increasing opportunities for students to be successful and identifying and removing any obstacles that may be hindering that for every student. Once this is accomplished (generally 4-6 years), educational leaders build their own trajectory which is derived from a knowledge of knowing they can impact an even larger number of students. It is a common understanding that through the course of an educational leader's years of service, there is a long range plan to take on more job responsibilities that include more students, more community partnerships, more advocacy, more operations. It is common to see the employment history of an administrator progress from assistant principal, to principal, to director, to assistant superintendent, and to superintendent (or some form of these titles along the way).
Michael Hollister
Assistant Professor, M.C.A., CFI/IUtah Valley University
UVU School of Aviation Sciences
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Education Program Managers?
Michael Hollister: It is difficult to predict whether or not there will be an "enduring impact," since we are still enduring the challenges presented by this pandemic. While the aviation industry routinely experiences financial turbulence, an industry that usually is the first to feel the effects of a declining economy, and the last to feel the effects of a good one, it generally seems to find a way to recover and continue, though never without some sort of casualty in the form of an airline or other related business. Aviation, and particularly the airline segment (to include cargo airlines) are the life-blood of our modern world, and the mass-transit of the twenty-first century. There is no other form of transportation that can do what the airplane can do, and from this standpoint, it is an indispensable asset. Even in the midst of economic turmoil, industry giants like Boeing are forecasting an increase in demand across multiple aerospace disciplines through 2039. When it comes to our graduates, while nothing is ever a sure thing, the industry has historically proven itself to be resilient.
What's a good job out of college for Education Program Managers?
Michael Hollister: Without trying to sound flippant, a good job out of college is the one the graduate was hoping to land after grabbing that expensive piece of paper (the diploma) and throwing their funny-looking hat in the air!
Even though a "pilot shortage" is currently suspended, historically speaking, the demand will return. So, while our current students realize that the market they hope to join one day isn't doing well at the moment, many also realize that they can utilize this time to prepare, earning the certificates, ratings and flight time necessary to qualify them for the job they will eventually seek.
However, it is important to also realize that the aviation industry is vast and has needs and opportunities that go far beyond the demand for pilots only. Some of the current demands include much-needed maintenance personnel, engineers of all disciplines, management personnel and so on. There is great potential found in the burgeoning Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) markets, with the latter expected to be worth nearly 16 billion by 2030, with other projections placing this segment of the ma
What will help Education Program Managers increase their earning potential?
Michael Hollister: The best advice I received from a former airline pilot and professor of mine was to "Keep improving yourself . . . even after you have earned your Bachelor's degree, go on and get a Masters degree. Keep improving yourself."
Realistically, furthering one's education is perhaps the best way to increase value and marketability, which is, after all, what someone's earning potential is really based on. One's marketability (not being a one-trick pony, also see "versatility") and how valuable one is perceived to be by their employer, will directly influence earning potential and longevity.
I've also learned that furthering one's education need not exclusively mean college degrees and certificates, though they are, of course, important. Value, marketability and versatility can certainly come from a variety of experiences and activities that extend beyond the walls of a college or university. Knowing how to utilize such experiences and other acquired skills, and then applying them toward a field of study that is of interest to an individual will be of great value too, but will require some thoughtful planning.
Lastly, I think an individual's personality has a great impact on one's perceived value and worth to an employer/company. An individual who is positive, a team player, one who offers solutions to problems, rather than just complaining, will go a long way. This, I have found, to be a universal truth regardless of the profession or occupation.
Dr. Cynthia Vavasseur
Associate Professor of Education, Professor of ED, Program Chair Ed-tech LeadershipNicholls State University
Teacher Education Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Education Program Manager job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Cynthia Vavasseur: By far, the biggest trend in the job market of educational leadership will be how technology can drive instruction, innovation and student success. Before the pandemic, educational technology was a hot topic. In the last year, the need for educational technology professionals at both the K12 and Higher Education level have been highlighted.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Education Program Managers?
Dr. Cynthia Vavasseur: NSU is in contract with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) to become the 3rd University in the world to be an ISTE certification provider. This certification is highly competitive and allows educators to show their skills of leading in a technology driven education market.
How have salaries changed over time for Education Program Managers?
Dr. Cynthia Vavasseur: Education and educational leadership is not a profession to go into for the money. That being said, as the need for educational technology professionals grows, I would imagine so would the salary range.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Education Program Manager job market given the pandemic?
Stephen Bronack Ph.D.: I anticipate the biggest trend will be teachers who are hybrid-ready. That is, they have the skills and tools to teach well both online and in the classroom, as the situation dictates.
What technical skills for an Education Program Manager stand out to employers?
Stephen Bronack Ph.D.: Using technology to engage both students and their families is number one. A close second, I would say, is using technology to help personalize learning as best we can for each student.
How have salaries changed over time for Education Program Managers?
Stephen Bronack Ph.D.: I believe there is growing recognition of the important role teachers play in our communities, and a renewed interest in ensuring teachers are not left behind when it comes to making a good living.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Education Program Managers?
Angela Sebby Ph.D.: While jobs may be slower to return to the capacity pre-Covid, the industry and tourism employment will rebound as people still want to travel and explore diverse foods, cultures, and experiences. However, the enduring impact will be the rapid onset of technology that allowed for limited contact with employees and others has become the new norm. Although human interaction is an important aspect of service in the tourism industry, employers have found that they can reduce the number of personal interactions but still deliver an acceptable level of quality service. What would have taken years to adopt, COVID created an amplified adoption.
What soft skills should all Education Program Managers possess?
TeWhan Hahn Ph.D.: Writing skills including email writing, being able to work in teams, and knowing the workplace etiquettes.
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.
Program Director & Assistant ProfessorMaryville University
Speech-Language Pathology
What's a day at work look like for an Education Program Manager?
Meaghan Goodman Ph.D.: A bachelor's in communication sciences and disorders can prepare you for three different tracks. First, it can prepare you to become a licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). This is someone who works under a fully credential speech-language pathologist. Often times, they carryout intervention plans developed by a fully credentialed speech-language pathologist. If graduate school is on your horizon, a bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders will prepare you for acceptance into a Speech-Language Pathology program, or an Audiology program. If you are not accepted into a graduate program right away, working as a speech-language pathology assistant (SLPA) is a great way to get experience in the field!