Skills and qualities needed for effective educational administration

Educational administrators can improve the lives of the students, staff, and community from the top down. They can implement changes that have far-reaching impacts for years to come.

Educational administrators are also highly sought after as skilled professionals because of their unique ability to navigate the intricate landscape of educational institutions, fostering an environment conducive to growth and development.

Read on to learn about the skills and qualities that educational administrators must possess to succeed in their field.

Leadership and vision

Educational administrators need to be able to inspire and mobilize teachers, students, and the broader community to achieve shared educational goals. Effective leaders create a compelling vision for the future, one that anticipates and adapts to challenges, harnesses opportunities, and fosters an environment of continuous improvement.

At their best, educational leaders set clear, ambitious objectives that elevate the quality of education to keep it relevant in a rapidly changing world. By articulating this vision clearly and rallying the support of all stakeholders, administrators use their leadership skills to help their schools meet the current needs of their students and prepare them to thrive in their future endeavors.¹

Communication skills

Much of an administrator’s day is spent communicating with others. They work with staff, students, and parents to make sure that all voices are heard and valued. Through effective communication, administrators can build trust, foster a positive school culture, and align everyone toward common goals.²

One of the most important communication skills is active listening. Administrators who listen well can understand the perspectives and concerns of their community. In addition to hearing the words of others, they have to interpret the emotions and intentions behind them to facilitate empathy and connection.²

Educational settings are often a melting pot of diverse opinions and interests, making conflict resolution and problem-solving a top priority. By applying active listening and open, respectful communication, administrators can identify the root causes of conflicts and work collaboratively towards sustainable solutions. These skills help them resolve immediate issues, strengthen relationships, and promote a collaborative environment.²

Organizational and management skills

School administrators have to wear a lot of hats to run such a complex organization efficiently and effectively. They have to juggle a myriad of responsibilities, from overseeing daily operations to strategic planning, so good time management skills are a must. They also need to manage budgets and allocate resources wisely.³

The intricacies of school operations and logistics require attention to detail and the ability to foresee and mitigate potential safety issues before they impact the educational process. This includes everything from scheduling and maintenance to complying with educational standards and safety protocols.³

Curriculum development

Curricula is an often contentious area of debate in education. Trends in curriculum development come and go, as evidenced by the recent “reading wars”—a disagreement over how students should be taught to read.⁴

School leaders are tasked with preparing students to meet the demands of a rapidly changing society. By staying attuned to educational trends, administrators can adapt the curriculum to incorporate new knowledge and skills and make learning relevant and engaging for students.⁵

Curriculum development is a never-ending process. Administrators must continually assess its effectiveness in meeting learning objectives. Through systematic evaluation, educational administrators can identify areas for improvement, make informed adjustments, and make sure the curriculum is responsive to both student and societal needs.⁵

Team building and collaboration

An effective school is one where educators and staff feel supported, valued, and motivated. Administrators bring together groups of individuals with diverse talents and perspectives to work together for the common good. This diversity fosters creativity and innovation in problem-solving and decision-making processes but can be a challenge if it’s not handled correctly.

When administrators focus on team building, they lay the foundation for a cohesive unit that is more resilient to challenges and more effective in achieving educational objectives.⁶

A collaborative environment encourages open communication, mutual respect, and shared responsibility among all stakeholders, including teachers, staff, students, and parents. When educational leaders support their teams’ professional growth and autonomy, they foster a sense of ownership and commitment to the school’s vision.⁶

Data analysis and decision-making

Educational administrators must make informed decisions that improve student learning and school performance. They need to know how to gather, analyze, and interpret data from various sources, including student performance metrics, attendance records, and feedback from stakeholders.

This data-driven approach guarantees that decisions are not based on assumptions or anecdotes but on concrete evidence that reflects the actual needs and achievements of students.⁷

By analyzing data over time, administrators can pinpoint patterns that indicate successes or highlight areas that need improvement—whether in relation to academic performance, student engagement, or resource allocation. They can also then proactively address issues, adapt strategies, and implement interventions that support student success.⁷

Implementing evidence-based practices is the logical extension of using data for decision-making. Once administrators identify effective strategies through data analysis, they can adopt evidence-based practices that have been proven to work in similar contexts. By continually monitoring the impact of these practices through further data analysis, administrators can refine their approaches and set up a cycle of continuous improvement in their organizations.⁷

A simplified five-step process for leveraging data in school leadership at education organizations can include:

1. Setting student learning goals
2. Delivering instruction and administering assessments
3. Collecting student achievement data
4. Analyzing and sharing data
5. Using insights to inform action⁸

In summary, it’s important for educational administrators to not only embrace data for their own advancement but also to promote a data-driven culture in their schools and organizations that highlight strategies such as gaining faculty buy-in, teaching teachers data analysis skills, and making data meaningful.

Differences between school administrators and education administrators

While the terms "school administrators” and "education administrators" are sometimes used interchangeably, there are key differences in their roles and responsibilities within the realm of educational leadership.

Scope of authority

• School Administrators: Typically, school administrators oversee the daily operations of a specific school or educational institution. They focus on managing staff members, students, and resources within the confines of their educational institutions.
• Education Administrators: On the other hand, education administrators operate on a broader scale, often at the district, regional, or even state level. They are responsible for shaping educational policies, implementing curriculum standards, and overseeing multiple schools or educational programs.

Strategic focus

• School Administrators: School administrators are primarily concerned with the immediate needs and challenges of their specific school community. They focus on creating a positive learning environment, addressing disciplinary issues, and ensuring that educational standards are met.
• Education Administrators: Educational administrators take a more strategic approach, focusing on long-term planning and policy development. They may be involved in curriculum design, assessment strategies, and initiatives aimed at improving student learning outcomes across a wider area.

Stakeholder engagement

• School Administrators: School administrators interact closely with students, teachers, parents, and local school community members on a day-to-day basis. They are responsible for building relationships, addressing concerns, and fostering a sense of school spirit within their school.
• Education Administrators: Educational administrators engage with a broader range of stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, educational experts, and advocacy groups. They often serve as liaisons between various stakeholders, advocating for policies and initiatives that benefit the overall education system. 

Policy Development and implementation

• School Administrators: While school administrators may have input into school policies and procedures, their primary focus is on implementing policies set forth by higher-level school board authorities.

• Education Administrators: Education administrators play a significant role in developing and implementing educational policies and initiatives. They may collaborate with stakeholders to shape curriculum standards, assessment methods, and professional development programs.

Professional background and qualifications

• School Administrators: School administrators typically have a background in education, often starting their careers as teachers before moving into administrative roles. They may hold certifications or advanced degrees in educational leadership.
• Education Administrators: Educational administrators often have a broader range of professional backgrounds, including education, policy analysis, public administration, or organizational management. They may hold advanced degrees in fields such as educational administration, public policy, or business administration.

Choosing to be a school administrator

While both school administrators and education administrators play critical roles in shaping the educational landscape, they operate at different levels of authority and strategic focus. School administrators focus on the day-to-day operations of individual schools, while education administrators take a broader perspective, shaping policies and initiatives that impact multiple schools or educational programs.

Understanding these differences is essential for aspiring educational leaders to choose the career path that best aligns with their skills, interests, professional goals, and the professional development that is best suited to their goals.

Professional development

The most effective educators are also perpetual students. Educational administrators understand that continuous learning and growth allow them to cultivate their leadership, management, and educational strategies.

By committing to their own professional development, administrators model the importance of lifelong learning to their staff and students, fostering an environment where growth is valued and encouraged.

Research indicates that investing in professional development for principals can lead to positive outcomes such as improved leadership practices, teacher engagement, and student achievement.⁹

The educational landscape is constantly shaped by new research findings, technological advancements, and societal changes. Staying up-to-date with these trends gives administrators an optimal approach to introducing innovative practices and curricula, ensuring students are well-prepared for the future.

Lead your school more effectively with KU’s online educational administration master’s

Begin your leadership journey in the University of Kansas' online master’s in educational administration and learn how to make a significant impact in education. With the flexibility to study at your pace, you can earn your advanced degree in as few as two years.

Develop strong decision-making skills, problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and other must-have qualities in education through comprehensive courses such as Data-Driven Leadership, Education Law, and Special Education Leadership. You’ll benefit from close mentorship by highly qualified faculty who bring a wealth of experience from the educational frontlines.

Don't wait to make a difference. Contact a KU admissions outreach advisor to learn how to begin to lead with purpose and passion so you can make a difference in the lives of teachers and students.