The work and positions within a system of education that are not directly involved in the education of students are referred to as education administration. In other words, education administrators include principals, vice principals, and school district administrators who work in a managerial capacity at a school or school district but are not teachers. These administrators are responsible for ensuring that teachers are capable of doing their jobs and properly instructing students, as well as managing budgetary issues for a school and district, and establishing curriculum standards and achievement goals for students in a district. Education administration is usually done by people who have previously worked as teachers or who have a degree in education.
Individuals who work in administration in public education usually work in schools or within a school district. While education administrators work in private schools and post-secondary institutions such as colleges and universities, they will have different concerns than those who work in public schools. Although there will be less pressure from regional or national government, administration in education in the private sector will typically involve budget analysis and ensuring students meet certain goals and expectations. Administrators in public schools and districts are frequently required to meet government standards and objectives.
Individual schools are in charge of education administration, which is typically represented by principals and vice principals. These individuals are in charge of ensuring that a school runs smoothly, which typically includes setting and overseeing the school’s budget, dealing with serious behavioral issues, and ensuring that teachers and students perform satisfactorily. They may spend time in classrooms observing teachers and students to ensure that everything is running smoothly, but they are unlikely to teach a class. Many of these administrators are former teachers who have progressed to higher levels of management and may be aiming for a position at the district level.
Typically, district education administration is responsible for ensuring that all of the schools in a district are functioning properly. Former teachers and principals, as well as those with master’s or doctoral degrees in education, may serve as administrators at this level. They are frequently in charge of ensuring that budgets are properly set and adhered to by the various schools in the district. Although principals are frequently involved in this type of decision-making, district administrators are also responsible for hiring and firing teachers. Curriculum standards and goals for students and teachers are typically set by education administration at the district level.