What Does a School Superintendent Do?
Written by:
Wilson College
• Sep 20, 2024
What Does a School Superintendent Do?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were 49.6 million students and 3.2 million full-time equivalent teachers in public elementary and secondary schools in the fall of 2022. School superintendents are responsible for overseeing their school district’s overall operation and performance, ensuring that the needs of their district’s many students, teachers, and school staff are met.
Education professionals with experience in the school system can prepare to pursue advanced positions, such as school superintendent positions, by developing their skills and knowledge in a Master of Education program.
School Superintendent Job Description
School superintendents manage the staff, students, functions, and activities of the school district where they work, including the elementary, middle, and high schools; their facilities; and other publicly funded education programs. Their key role is to ensure the school district provides its students with the best overall learning experience it is capable of providing.
They do this by delivering a rigorous and innovative curriculum, utilizing appropriate assessments, integrating technology platforms, understanding and implementing education policies, and providing strong leadership.
Superintendents are tasked with developing effective solutions to educators’ multifaceted challenges in the modern, intricate educational environment. Following are some of the common duties and responsibilities of school superintendents:
- Work with the state Board of Education to set standards and goals
- Represent the district at the local, state, and national levels
- Manage budgets and resource allocation
- Facilitate community relations and communication
- Develop and implement school policies
- Ensure professional development is available and utilized by teachers and school staff
- Oversee curricula and implementing changes to curricula
- Be a leader in the community
School Superintendent Work Environment
School superintendents act like their school district’s CEO and manage the district’s day-to-day activities and operations. They generally work in an office setting within the school district, often near other administrative school district staff. They may be required to visit the schools within their district to meet with school staff and teachers.
School Superintendent: Education, Experience, and Skill Requirements
Superintendents typically have advanced-level educational credentials, including a bachelor’s and master’s degree, as well as substantial experience in both teaching and administrative leadership roles.
Effective school superintendents are passionate and visionary leaders. They care deeply about the students and faculty in their district, and they serve to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful leaders and educators of the future.
Education Requirements
All educators are required to hold a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field. To qualify for a senior leadership role, a master’s degree in education, leadership, or administration is often required. Superintendents may choose to pursue a doctoral degree, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education, which is preferred by many districts but not required. Some states require superintendents to have specific certifications or licenses as well.
Experience Requirements
Several years of teaching experience, ideally five to 10 years, is generally needed to qualify for a superintendent role. Preference may be given to those candidates with administrative experience as a principal or district-level administrator.
Other factors that are considered are experience with budget management and resource allocation, involvement in community engagement and stakeholder relations, and familiarity with education policy and legal compliance. A track record of improving student achievement and experience with leadership in professional development initiatives make a candidate stand out.
Skills to Be a Successful School Superintendent
Knowing what a school superintendent does provides a helpful introduction to what skills they need to excel in the role. Here are some of the key skills school superintendents need:
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Communication: Being able to communicate clearly and effectively with various stakeholders is crucial for superintendents.
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Leadership: Superintendents must be skilled at inspiring and guiding the staff, teachers, and administrators in their district for the district to achieve its educational goals.
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Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Superintendents should be adept at addressing complex issues that arise within the school district.
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Decision-Making: Superintendents must be able to make the tough decisions in their district, and convey those decisions to all parties involved.
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Curriculum Development: Superintendents need the background and judgment to be able to oversee and enhance the curricula across grade levels in their district to meet the district’s educational standards.
School Superintendent Salary
School superintendents have a prestigious position with significant responsibilities, and therefore they are often well compensated. School superintendents had a median annual salary of around $145,400 in July 2024, according to the compensation website Payscale.
The exact salary that a school superintendent receives depends on a number of factors, such as their geographic location, years of experience, and education level, as well as the size of the district.
Unlock Your Leadership Potential by Becoming a School Superintendent
Develop the expertise to lead a school district as a school superintendent. This senior role requires a blend of educational insight, administrative acumen, and community leadership skills. Whether you’re an experienced educator looking to broaden your impact or a professional seeking to shape the future of education, pursuing advanced qualifications in educational leadership can pave the way to this influential position.
Individuals interested in shaping tomorrow’s leaders as a school superintendent can take the next step in their education career with Wilson College Online’s Master of Education program. Learn more about what you can do with a master’s in education , and how Wilson College Online can help you reach your career goals in educational leadership.
Recommended Readings
Benefits of Experiential Learning
What Are the 4 Types of Learning Styles
Master of Teaching vs. Master of Education: What’s the Difference?
Sources
Indeed, “Superintendent Skills: A Helpful Guide for Job Seekers”
