In the face of state cutbacks and budget cuts, administration positions are also being hit, although not as hard as teaching positions. Rather than make a bold career move into administration, a more prudent strategy is to take on increasing responsibilities and administration functions so that you can slowly evolve into an administration position, should one arise. There are a number of key areas you can focus on today to improve the attractiveness of your candidacy.
Develop business skills
Schools require a broad range of administrative skills. Demand is high for business managers with experience in financial planning, cost cutting and restructuring. Tasks obvious to a business manager such as renegotiating insurance contracts have loosened up funds and allowed previously discontinued programs to be renewed. Many schools are grappling with budgets that are already running over school board limits while school boards are further cutting expense limits.
Improve student performance
Student achievement is a key focus for administrative positions. How can you help raise student performance in state rankings? A good place to start is your own classroom. Demonstrate that you are able to motivate your students to higher levels of performance, and then offer to develop this competency throughout the school.
Volunteer for administrative positions
Volunteering on committees is a good way to become more involved in your school's administration. As schools face deepening budget cuts, more of these opportunities are available at the school, board and district levels.
Develop business skills
Schools require a broad range of administrative skills. Demand is high for business managers with experience in financial planning, cost cutting and restructuring. Tasks obvious to a business manager such as renegotiating insurance contracts have loosened up funds and allowed previously discontinued programs to be renewed. Many schools are grappling with budgets that are already running over school board limits while school boards are further cutting expense limits.
Improve student performance
Student achievement is a key focus for administrative positions. How can you help raise student performance in state rankings? A good place to start is your own classroom. Demonstrate that you are able to motivate your students to higher levels of performance, and then offer to develop this competency throughout the school.
Volunteer for administrative positions
Volunteering on committees is a good way to become more involved in your school's administration. As schools face deepening budget cuts, more of these opportunities are available at the school, board and district levels.