What Is a School Supervisor?
A school supervisor is an administrator who oversees an educational institution, such as a preschool and daycare center, elementary, middle or high school, or a post-secondary school. To become a preschool or daycare center director, a bachelor's degree is typically required. For school principals, a master's degree is the common requirement along with some experience in teaching. Similarly, postsecondary education administrators are required to hold a graduate degree and have prior administrative experience. The table below summarizes the requirements of a supervisor in school and other information such as salary and projected job growth.
| Preschool and Childcare Center Director | Elementary, Middle and High School Principal | Postsecondary Education Administrator | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required Education | Bachelor's degree and Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or similar | Master's degree | Master's degree |
| Other Requirements | Prior experience in early childhood education | Prior teaching experience and teaching license | Prior experience in an administrative setting |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) | 7%* | 4%* | 1-2%** |
| Median Salary (2019) | $48,210* | $96,400* | $95,410* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **ONET
School Supervisor Job Description
Preschool and childcare center directors are tasked with overseeing the day-to-day activities of the establishment and ensuring it runs smoothly. Their responsibilities cover all areas of the program, such as supervising the staff, developing program plans, and preparing budgets.
Likewise, school principals are in charge of elementary, middle or high school operations. They have to design and maintain curriculums, manage staff and support personnel, and create the best possible learning environment for students.
As for post-secondary education administrators, the responsibilities of a supervisor in the workplace depend on the job title they hold. For example, admissions officers decide which candidates to admit to the institution, while those in student affairs look after non-academic student activities. Deans and provosts are the top-level administrators of postsecondary institutions. The main focus of a dean is on education, while the provost is typically responsible for the school's finances. They differ from college or university presidents, who occupy the top leadership role in the institution as a whole and are involved in every branch of the institution's organization and running.
Duties of a School Supervisor
The duties of a school supervisor can vary greatly according to the type of institution they work for. Below we break down the different types of school supervisor to give a rounded overview of the school supervisor job description.
Preschool and Childcare Center Directors
Preschool and childcare center directors hire, train, supervise, and provide professional development opportunities for their staff. They make policies and communicate the same to teachers and parents, while regularly meeting with the two parties to evaluate the child's progress. Preschool directors also develop programs and ensure that teaching excellence is upheld. Besides, they prepare the budget and maintain the facilities to meet state regulations.
School Principals
Like preschool and childcare center directors, school principals also supervise and analyze their staff's performance and periodically organize professional development programs for them. Further, they meet with teachers and parents to evaluate the students' performance and discipline or counsel students when the need arises. School principals are also responsible for developing and implementing class schedules and maintaining curriculum standards. They also manage the school's budget and establish security procedures to ensure a safe environment for staff and students.
Postsecondary Education Administrators
Admissions officers review applications and determine which and how many students are admitted to the school. They also encourage candidates to apply and analyze data about prospective and current students.
Deans are responsible for looking after the entire educational branch of a postsecondary institution. For example, there may be separate deans for law school and medical school. Provosts, on the other hand, formulate budgets and make faculty appointments and also help college presidents to develop policies.
Registrars manage student registration and schedule space and time for classes. They maintain the academic records of the school and work to ensure that students meet graduation requirements.
Those in student affairs develop and supervise non-academic programs, such as sports and recreational events, and offer advice to students on personal problems and academics.
Educational Requirements of a Supervisor in School
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employers favor preschool and childcare center director candidates who have an undergraduate degree or some college coursework in early childhood education. Some employers may also seek the nationally-accredited CDA credential, which can be earned by passing the CDA exam and through a successful verification visit. Licensure is granted to those candidates who pass a background check and meet their state's minimum training requirement.
School principals are typically required to have completed a master's degree in educational leadership and several years of teaching experience in a public school. To enter a graduate program, prospective principal candidates typically require a major in education or a related field. Candidates who successfully graduate may have to pass a state-specific exam and a background check.
Postsecondary education administrators require a master's, or in the case of deans or provosts, a doctoral degree in educational leadership or a similar field. For entry-level jobs, an undergraduate degree will generally suffice but career advancement will require higher education. Further, employers tend to hire candidates who have several years of experience in a postsecondary administrative setting.
To become a preschool director, you must have at least a bachelor's degree, whereas schools principals and postsecondary educational administrators typically need a master's degree. Prior experience in the field is required for all three careers.
