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Job outlook for school directors in the United States
School director job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected school director job growth rate is 5% from 2018-2028.
About 14,200 new jobs for school directors are projected over the next decade.
School director salaries have increased 6% for school directors in the last 5 years.
There are over 10,122 school directors currently employed in the United States.
There are 37,761 active school director job openings in the US.
The average school director salary is $68,563.
Are school director jobs in demand?
School director job and salary trends over time
School director jobs over time
School director job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 10,122 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 9,671 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 9,986 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 9,695 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 9,222 | 0.00% |
Average school director salary over time
School director salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $68,563 | $32.96 | +2.2% |
| 2024 | $67,108 | $32.26 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $66,349 | $31.90 | +1.0% |
| 2022 | $65,709 | $31.59 | +2.0% |
| 2021 | $64,400 | $30.96 | +2.3% |
School director jobs by state
Most common states for school directors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 184 | 21% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 120 | 17% |
| 3 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 774 | 15% |
| 4 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 275 | 15% |
| 5 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 605 | 13% |
| 6 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 518 | 13% |
| 7 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 555 | 11% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 132 | 10% |
| 9 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 326 | 9% |
| 10 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,037 | 8% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 87 | 8% |
| 12 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 85 | 8% |
| 13 | Vermont | 623,657 | 47 | 8% |
| 14 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 449 | 7% |
| 15 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 298 | 7% |
| 16 | Alaska | 739,795 | 53 | 7% |
| 17 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 496 | 6% |
| 18 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 351 | 6% |
| 19 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 319 | 6% |
| 20 | Delaware | 961,939 | 56 | 6% |
Most common cities for school directors
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Horsham | 1 | 4% | $61,181 |
| 2 | Bradenton | 1 | 2% | $46,384 |
| 3 | Pensacola | 1 | 2% | $48,301 |
| 4 | Denver | 4 | 1% | $63,380 |
| 5 | Longmont | 1 | 1% | $63,481 |
| 6 | New York | 11 | 0% | $73,096 |
| 7 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $73,259 |
| 8 | Philadelphia | 1 | 0% | $61,128 |
School Director job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of school director experts
Soka University of America
Marymount University
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Ohio University
University of Illinois at Springfield
Medaille College
West Virginia University
University of Kansas
Hiram College
Bluefield State College
Chestnut Hill College
What general advice would you give to a School Director?
Linda Vogel Ph.D.: First, graduates from a BA program with teacher licensure should teach for at least two years before considering a MA program with principal licensure. This way, they understand school processes and challenges before seeking to lead change in the education system. Also, being a master teacher in whatever subject area you teach will increase your credibility with teachers in the building you lead once you obtain your principal license. In Colorado, the administrator license is for district-level/superintendent positions, so it is best to first obtain your principal license and work as a principal for a few years before earning the administrator license. Also, the building-level leadership experience enhances one’s chances of securing a district-level position.
What will help School Directors increase their earning potential?
Linda Vogel Ph.D.: The ability to support diverse student needs is paramount now and will likely only increase in the future. Also, the ability to look at challenges with flexibility. This may include hybrid/blended/virtual learning options to meet student needs. Partnerships with community agencies and businesses will also likely be an increasing strength in the future as education options become more competitive.
What general advice would you give to a School Director?
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 School Director 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 School Directors 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 School Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Matthew Ohlson Ph.D.: Become knowledgeable and most importantly, comfortable, sharing the data and impact you’ve had as a school leader. The use of data is so imperative to show progress towards long and short-term goals, for example: attendance gains, teacher retention rates, etc. School leaders can seek more compensation and larger responsibilities in more prominent roles when they are able to show how their leadership made a difference. Annual impact reports, data snapshots, student/teacher testimonials, etc. can illustrate how your leadership impacted teaching and learning.
What will help School Directors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Matthew Ohlson Ph.D.: Principal: Collaboration, the reteaching of conversations skills and interaction, empathy, grit, ability to blend virtual and in-person strategies effectively.
My Coaching with New Leaders: New leaders must navigate the complexities of the role where one moment you are harnessing your logistics talents in terms of scheduling and the next moment you are motivating students for graduation, and then celebrating teachers to kick off the school year. Your positive energy is contagious and even though you feel overwhelmed or apprehensive, great school leaders consistently show a sense of confidence and an unwavering belief in their “why.” It is imperative to harness skills/resources such as public speaking/social media (tell your story or someone else will!), grit (If you know you why, you can navigate any “how”) and promoting positivity (It’s not bragging if it’s true).
Marcia Baldanza Ed.D.
Assistant ProfessorMarymount University
Educational Administration And Supervision
What general advice would you give to a School Director?
Marcia Baldanza Ed.D.: Continuously Learn and Grow: Education and education leadership is a field that is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest research, trends, and best practices in education. Take advantage of further education and professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge. Build Relationships: Effective leadership often hinges on collaboration and communication. Cultivate strong relationships with colleagues, teachers, students, parents, and other stakeholders in the educational community. Lead by Example: Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to the values you want to instill in your educational community. Your actions will set the tone for others to follow. Prioritize Equity and Inclusion: Strive to create an inclusive and equitable learning environment where all students feel valued and supported. Be mindful of systemic barriers and work to address them proactively. Focus on Student Success: Keep the best interests of students at the forefront of your decision-making process. You can't go wrong! Champion initiatives that promote academic achievement, personal growth, and well-being.
What School Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Marcia Baldanza Ed.D.: Technology in the Service of Learning: With the ongoing integration of technology in education, school leaders must possess strong digital literacy skills and be adept at leveraging technology to enhance teaching, learning, and administrative processes. Data Analysis with Decision-Making: As data-driven decision-making becomes more prevalent and important, school leaders will need to be proficient in analyzing various types of data, including academic performance metrics, student demographics, and financial data, to inform strategic planning and resource allocation. Cultural Competency and Equity Advocacy: With a growing focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, school leaders must demonstrate cultural competency and advocate for equitable practices that address the needs of all students, regardless of background or identity. Adaptability and Change Management: In an era of constant change and uncertainty, school leaders must be adaptable and agile, capable of navigating complex challenges and leading their schools through transitions effectively. Innovative Pedagogies and Personalized Learning: School leaders should champion innovative pedagogical approaches and personalized learning strategies that cater to the diverse needs and learning styles of students, preparing them for success in the 21st-century workforce. Emotional Intelligence and Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build positive relationships are essential for fostering a supportive school culture and nurturing a sense of belonging among students, staff, and families.
What will help School Directors increase their earning potential?
Marcia Baldanza Ed.D.: Maximizing your salary potential in school leadership involves a combination of strategic planning, professional development, and a proactive approach to career advancement. This can be challenging in a highly competitive environment with a salary scale in a unionized (in some places) environment. Obtain Advanced Degrees and Certifications: Higher levels of education, such as a master's degree or doctorate in educational leadership or a related field, can often lead to higher salary opportunities. Gain Experience and Demonstrate Success: Build a strong track record of success in your educational career, whether as a teacher, administrator or in another role. Document your accomplishments, leadership experience, and impact on student achievement, as these can strengthen your position when negotiating salary or applying for higher-level leadership positions. Seek Leadership Positions in High-Need Areas: Consider pursuing leadership positions in high-need areas, such as schools serving low-income communities or those with high rates of student need. These positions may offer additional financial incentives or loan forgiveness programs to attract qualified candidates.
What general advice would you give to a School Director?
Larry Arant MSRS, RT(R)(CT)(MR): Stay teachable, network, embrace diversity and inclusion, develop strong communication skills.
What School Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Larry Arant MSRS, RT(R)(CT)(MR): Digital literacy, online teaching and learning expertise, cultural competence and inclusivity, emotional intelligence and empathy.
What will help School Directors increase their earning potential?
Larry Arant MSRS, RT(R)(CT)(MR): Research salary trends, gain experience and expertise, consider geographic location, evaluate benefits and perks.
Vernon Smith
What general advice would you give to a School Director?
Vernon Smith: If you have successfully completed the program for Educational Leadership, then you are ready to start demonstrating your skills. Mastering the Educational leadership program, you have the knowledge base, the technical skills, and interpersonal skills to be successful as an educational leader. You must believe in yourself. Even if a secured position is not immediately forthcoming, never give up. Remember, stop signs were made for traffic, not for people. The battle is not over until you quit.
What will help School Directors increase their earning potential?
Vernon Smith: If you have successfully completed the program for Educational Leadership, then you are ready to start demonstrating your skills. Mastering the Educational leadership program, you have the knowledge base, the technical skills, and interpersonal skills to be successful as an educational leader. You must believe in yourself. Even if a secured position is not immediately forthcoming, never give up. Remember, stop signs were made for traffic, not for people. The battle is not over until you quit.
I am confident that we have instilled within you some passion; show it. Passion will take you far. You are human and humans make mistakes. Let every set-back become an opportunity for a comeback. Strive to become better. Listen to learn and learn to improve. Every day you wake up feel excited and grateful. Each day gives you another chance to demonstrate to all observers that you can make a positive difference in the academic achievement of your students. Never forget if you are not progressing, then you are regressing. Take the initiative. Turn your good into better and your better into best.
Stay focused and Involve others in the quest for excellence. Remember that none of us are as smart as all of us. You make more touchdowns when all players are going in the same direction. Collaborative and collegial leaders are winners….and you are a winner.
Dr. Dwan Robinson PhD
Associate Professor of Educational LeadershipOhio University
Educational Administration And Supervision
What general advice would you give to a School Director?
Dr. Dwan Robinson PhD: Given that many of our graduates have had opportunities to develop and refine their leadership skills while at OHIO:
I would suggest that our graduates seek opportunities where there is growth potential and future career opportunities for advancing in educational leadership.
I would encourage them to explore positions where they have the chance to impact the organization with the educational leadership and related expertise that they have cultivated.
I would also suggest that graduates reflect on how their expertise and experiences connect with the various roles and pathways that they are seeking in education so that they can imagine what their trajectories might be in the careers that they aspire to in the field of education.
What School Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Dwan Robinson PhD: In my capacity as a faculty member in educational leadership and having researched and interacted with numerous educational leaders, a few of the skills that I anticipate will become more important and prevalent in the field include:
Adaptable and Nimble Leadership: Adaptable and nimble leadership will become more important given the continually changing social and cultural context of education and the need to pivot to lead in varied circumstances. Educational leaders need to be able to adjust and lead through change and augment their leadership approaches to facilitate continued positive trajectories of educational organizations.
Collaborative and Shared Leadership: The increased demands on educational leadership will necessitate collaborative and shared leadership where leaders integrate the expertise of all members in organizations such as schools and external partners. Collaborative leadership will be essential in re-imagining and problem-solving, building capacity of colleagues, and helping to improve educational experiences for learners. To motivate and inspire people to want to stay in organizations they must be valued and appreciated and be supported to grow.
Innovative and Creative Leadership: Educational leaders will need to be innovative and creative being receptive to new approaches and strategies for achieving goals, maximizing opportunities for teaching and learning, and recognizing opportunities for merging new ideas with current ones.
Authentic and Compassionate Leadership: Educational leaders will need to be authentic and compassionate with those colleagues, team members, learners and other partners involved with the educational organization. They will need to recognize that education is a people intensive field that involves leaders, teachers, learners, and external partners. These leadership approaches will entail the development of authentic and compassionate relationships where there is trust, respect and appreciation and where leaders lead with an ethic of care for others.
What will help School Directors increase their earning potential?
Dr. Dwan Robinson PhD: Creatively articulate the skills and expertise that you bring to the education profession and connect those proficiencies to show alignment with the needs of the career that you are seeking.
Be forward thinking about how you can impact the field of education broadly and specifically to the organization you endeavor to join.
Share ideas regarding how your experience can enhance the work that the organization you are moving into and articulate how you will help the organization achieve goals and realize positive outcomes.
Show an understanding about the field and the current landscape that the educational organization is operating in and be visionary about how your expertise connects with the visions and goals that employers have for their organization.
Leonard Bogle Ed. D.
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Illinois at Springfield
Educational Administration And Supervision
What general advice would you give to a School Director?
Leonard Bogle Ed. D.: Be a good listener when you take a position. You cannot know everything and it is not a
weakness to ask others for advice. IE: If there is an issue with discipline get input from
the staff as to what they believe the causes are and how they think this issue might be
resolved. Also, ask other administrators in the district or nearby schools for
suggestions.
What School Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Leonard Bogle Ed. D.: Prioritize the tasks in front of you. Don't rush into making a decision. Make certain you
have obtained all of the facts before you tell others your decision. Make a list of things
you need to do each morning then decide which of these absolutely must be done that
day and which can be done later. Then, check them off as they are taken care of so
you can see the progress made each day.
What will help School Directors increase their earning potential?
Leonard Bogle Ed. D.: Become involved in the regional activities of the Illinois principals association. This will lead to
contact with other administrators and will begin the process of networking that can open doors
because people know you personally. You will also gain up to date information about changes
in the education field and new laws and regulations that can impact the job you are doing.
What general advice would you give to a School Director?
Hamlet Hernandez: With technology advancing at warp speed and the advent of AI in the public education space, leaders will need
to be adroit at understanding their appropriate application, but more importantly, leaders will need to be skilfull
at cultivating meaningful relationships which are rooted in principle and not in transaction. This is, and will
continue to be, of monumental importance. The ability to communicate effectively and to understand the
speed and method of communication to different stakeholders, will and should vary. How this skill is developed
will be consequential. I envision rich content being omnipresent and new pedagological practices manifesting,
as we learn more about how humans learn. The art of teaching will evolve as we embrace new technologies
and foster enduring relationships, thereby opening pathways to greater cognition.
What School Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Hamlet Hernandez: This is difficult question to answer. If money is your driver, you may be frustrated. Clearly having a Sixth-Year
diploma in education is much more marketable than simply having the 092 certification. It is my hope that the
demos see the great value of and connection to, education has on a thriving democracy. Recognizing this
importance may result in higher wages but it may not....do the right thing, for the right reasons, and the right
way and you will be rewarded intrinsically and maybe even monetarily.
What will help School Directors increase their earning potential?
Hamlet Hernandez: Entering the field of public-school administration is not for the faint of heart. I would encourage all graduates
to think deeply as to why they have chosen to enter the field; it is noble and worthy of our time and talent to
become leaders in public education that contribute to the betterment of society through selfless service, so that
all students receive an appropriate and equitable education. Dispositionally, we would converse about the
importance of patience and compassion and how steady leadership not showy leadership will transcend
expectations. I would also add it is always about who gets the benefit of your work and not the credit.
On a practical level, I would encourage young administrators to balance their professional life with the other
equally important parts of their life. Administration is stressful and demanding, and at times lonely. Knowing
yourself and embracing personal and professional growth will sustain you through swerve of sway of
leadership.
What will help School Directors increase their earning potential?
Rolf Straubhaar: People love the meaning being a school leader brings to their lives, as on a day-to-day basis you are making a direct impact on the lives and futures of children. They dislike having to deal with unnecessary and distracting political fights that do nothing to improve the lives of children.
Colleen Wilkinson
Associate Professor, Program DirectorMedaille College
Department of Education
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the School Director 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 School Directors 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 School Directors?
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 School Directors?
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 a School Director?
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 School Directors increase their earning potential?
Stephanie Lorenze: Legislators and communities who value their work through actions.
Dr. Joseph Novak
Senior Lecturer, Director, Professional Development School Program Coordinator, Instructor and Advisor for the School of Education Master's program in Building Level Leadership.University of Kansas
Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for School Directors?
Dr. Joseph Novak: The obvious technical skills employers in the education field will look for is an entrepreneurial competency in the use of emerging technologies and associated applications to reach students via the virtual venue.
How have salaries changed over time for School Directors?
Dr. Joseph Novak: While salaries in the field of education continue to make progress, teacher salaries and pay raises remain below competitive jobs requiring similar levels of education/training.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the School Director job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Joseph Novak: The pandemic has heightened the awareness and in addressing the needs of all stakeholders affiliated with schools. The resulting stress, anxiety, and uncertainty exacerbated by the pandemic has led to a need for more support services for students, staff, and parents. The pandemic has also exposed a lack of training and resources for successful and effective virtual learning. Even though, schools may return to face-to-face learning, the growing use and popularity of virtual learning begs for additional resources and learning. Finally, the pandemic has created a real financial uncertainty for schools. Until the federal, state, and local economies recover and thrive, education will be faced with lay-offs and detriments to needed services.
What's a day at work look like for a School Director?
Jennifer McCreight: Anyone who has spent time teaching knows that a work day entails an immense amount of pre-planning, ingenuity, patience, energy, and skills in collaboration. Recent graduates will need to embrace this, while adding the challenge of welcoming back learners who may have been learning remotely or in a blended environment over the past year. In order to learn more about the needs of students who have been learning outside of the physical classroom, educators will certainly spend a great deal of time determining each child's growth, as well as the academic challenges they may be facing - and then creating lessons and experiences that will support them.
Just as importantly, teachers will need to support the social and emotional needs of all students in heroic ways, as these learners have persevered through the stresses and grief we've all experienced during the pandemic. As educators we are just learning what this might mean in terms of their needs moving forward. Graduates entering classrooms will need to pay close attention to this, and respond supportively and in partnership with families and colleagues.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on School Directors?
Jennifer McCreight: Flexibility and creativity will continue to be the name of the game. Educators entering their first jobs have always demonstrated these dispositions, but will need to do so even more now, as districts will continue to build on the growth in nimbleness that all have had to embody in order to most fully engage learners during this time.
Graduates will also be challenged to identify and enact equitable educational opportunities, as COVID-19 has laid bare issues in access for many young learners. Educational experiences in remote and hybrid environments are inequitable as long as internet access, devices, and spaces to learn are inequitable - and newly graduating teachers will need to continue the work in creatively partnering with colleagues, families, and students to address these needs so that all can participate fully.
What technical skills for a School Director stand out to employers?
Jennifer McCreight: Tech skills have increasingly played a central role in K-12 classrooms, as educators have at their fingertips devices and applications that are incredible assets to learning - from accessibility features, to interactive presentations that gather real-time info on students' understanding of content, to the ability of the students themselves to create videos, podcasts, and more. Teachers entering classrooms must be able to recognize the powerful gains that can be made in students' learning as a result of incorporating technologies, and know when and how to use it to support them. And of course, recent graduates entering classrooms will be expected to move between the platforms of Zoom or Google Meet, to bring in learners who may be at home, and to engage them actively in learning experiences - which is no small task!
Just as importantly, though, as we come out of the pandemic and reckon with children's and adolescents' increased use of screens, educators may also find that we need to use technology in classrooms more sparingly when possible. They will continue to ask themselves, even more urgently than they did pre-pandemic, whether technologies add to educational experiences or complicate them. Graduates will be faced with these questions as they move into their own classrooms, and we joyfully adjust to the eventuality of more in-person learning. This will be a wonderful challenge to face - that is, determining what innovations have resulted from the constraints of the pandemic, and what we will be happy to let go of when we are able. I am sure educators will embrace these conversations with zeal!
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on School Directors?
Amanda Banks Ph.D.: Pressing Covid-related concerns for upcoming graduates are twofold. The first relates to the quality of the student teaching experience. In a number of cases, the pandemic has significantly decreased or even eradicated the ability of cooperating teachers and university supervisors to effectively mentor student teachers. Due of the threat of Covid transmission, a number of university supervisors are no longer permitted in schools, which can dramatically decrease their ability to provide essential, on-site support to student teachers. Covid has also exacerbated teacher and substitute teacher shortages, which has led some state departments of Education to offer student teachers paid substitute teaching positions in lieu of traditional placement in classrooms with a cooperating teacher. These paid alternatives may be attractive in the short-term but participants lose the chance to be mentored by seasoned teachers and critical opportunities to plan instruction. Additionally, teacher induction may be disrupted by Covid for some time, which means that novice teachers may not have access to the level of support from colleagues that they might have had in the absence of Covid. Notwithstanding all of these realities, novice teachers will be expected to hit the ground running as they enter their eventual classrooms.
In the long-term, the Covid pandemic might also affect the job outlook for new teachers. A number of economists have compared the current Covid recession to the recession of 2008, suggesting that the present economic downturn could lead to eventual teacher workforce downsizing. Typically, when teacher layoffs occur novices are the first to be cut. Upcoming or recent graduates looking to secure a job in the classroom should consider diversifying their credentials as a way to increase their marketability or job security. Ironically, districts that eventually lay off teachers may simultaneously struggle to fill specialized teaching positions such as bilingual services and special education.
What type of skills will young School Directors need?
Amanda Banks Ph.D.: Working knowledge of traditional and innovative instructional technology is essential for those entering teaching. Graduates should be familiar with a wide range of technology-based tools for effectively planning and delivering of instruction in a variety of formats, from in-class to synchronous and asynchronous learning. Fortunately, a number of preservice teachers consistently use or are at least exposed to a myriad of technology as students in higher ed. Familiarity with LMS platforms, audio/video recording and presentation apps, school-to-home communication modalities, and assistive technology are absolutely essential for every graduate planning to enter the classroom.
Additionally, developing innovate approaches to engaging and maintaining student interest and teaching the unwritten curriculum (e.g., basic citizenship skills, personal organization, punctuality, work quality, and honesty) are critical. Brief or protracted periods of virtual teaching can make this especially challenging. Another essential skillset is fostering student-parent-school partnerships. Research indicates parent involvement significantly impacts academic success for all students. For students with exceptional learning needs, parent involvement is the single most powerful predictor of their academic performance. New teachers should make it a top priority to build rapport with their students, and become familiar with their personalities and life circumstances as well as their learning strengths and needs.
What experience really stands out on School Director resumes?
Amanda Banks Ph.D.: Adaptability and expertise in teaching diverse students in inclusive classrooms are growing focal points of many school districts nationally. With recent changes in federal education legislation (Every Student Succeeds Act, 2015), there has been a growing need for educators to universally design effective learning opportunities for a wide range of learners (Universal Design for Learning) to ensure students' academic progress regardless of their socioeconomic background or learning ability. Identifying potential teachers who can help students and schools successfully meet state and federal accountability standards is paramount to hiring committees.
Candidates should showcase any firsthand experiences they have in working with students within and outside of the classroom, especially diverse student populations (e.g., special education, bilingual education). Strong collaboration skills, content expertise, and instructional flexibility are three professional qualities that definitely set a candidate apart from the rest. Recent graduates who anticipate entering the job market in the near future should actively search for such volunteer opportunities if they didn't have these types of experiences in their preparation program.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on School Directors?
Marie Leahy: Yes, I think the coronavirus pandemic will have an enduring impact on college graduates in ways that will continue to unfold. One of the biggest impacts right now is the loss of the "typical college experience" that many of them feel. For example, many colleges and universities had to postpone last year's graduation and the long-awaited activities that accompany the end of senior year. Many courses have been moved to either an online or a hybrid format, resulting in students opting to live at home rather than on campus or in off campus housing with friends. In regard to Education majors, a large portion, if not all, of their practicum experiences as well as their student teaching experiences have been virtual. Even though it was challenging to create a rich experience in a virtual setting, the students responded extremely well. They were able to understand first-hand the importance of patience, flexibility, and creativity, and that will be an asset for them as educators for sure.
What's a day at work look like for a School Director?
Marie Leahy: Recent graduates in the teaching profession are going to experience a very similar situation as they had in student teaching since schools are still a mixture of being virtual, hybrid, and in-person. Recent graduates will need to accommodate different learning modalities at once since in-person and hybrid models typically have an online option; consequently, a teacher who is teaching children in-person will also have students streaming the class and participating virtually. At the risk of stating the obvious, recent graduates in the field of education will certainly have to face the fear of being exposed to COVID-19 as they venture into the classroom. They will also need to use their creativity and ingenuity to foster a warm and caring classroom environment as they foster relationships in an environment where everyone is wearing a mask and staying six feet apart. That's challenging.
What technical skills for a School Director stand out to employers?
Marie Leahy: The suddenness of the onset of the pandemic made all employers realize that it is absolutely critical for their workers to be able to mobilize quickly and adapt to an entirely new situation with relative ease. Recent graduates in the field of education will need to be able to use Microsoft Office and be able to use interactive whiteboards and maintain a classroom website. In addition, they will need to be able to utilize learning management systems, live streaming, and document cameras/visual presenters. Each school/district has its own learning management system, but if someone is experienced in using a learning management system, then getting accustomed to a different one is pretty seamless. The same is true for live streaming services and document cameras/visual presenters.