Nature of Work:
- Determine educational standards and goals for special education programs.
- Ensure that those programs comply with federal, state, and local laws.
- Set policies and procedures for special education professionals and staff who are implementing those programs.
- Motivate professionals and staff.
- Provide parents with regular reports on their child's progress.
- Review and evaluate all programs - pilot programs, long-term programs, future programs.
- Write grants, prepare budgets.
- Respond to legislative questions and concerns.
- Mediate disputes between parents and schools.
- Attend community meetings when critical special education issues are discussed.
Education Required
- Master's degree in most cases, sometimes a doctorate degree.
- All states require a license to practice. Licensing requirements vary by state.
Personal Qualities
- Confident
- Articulate
- Innovative leaders
- Inspire trust
- Strong motivator
- Excellent managers
Job Outlook and Advancement
- Employment of education administrators is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2010. (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 2002-03).
How to Prepare for a Career
- High school students can gain leadership skills by being active and assuming officer positions in school clubs and organizations.
- Maintain a strong competitive high school grade point average.
- Volunteer to work in children's programs, summer recreation camps, or Special Olympics.
- Ask about volunteer tutoring opportunities with children who receive special education services.
- Attend your community's school board meetings and special hearings, especially those related to school curriculum and special education services will be discussed.
Resource Information
- American Association of School Administrators
1801 North Moore Street
Arlington, Virginia 22209
800-771-1162
703-528-0700 - The Council of Administrators of Special Education
615 16th Street, NW
Albuquerque, MN 87104
505-243-7622 - The Council for Exceptional Children
1110 North Glebe Road, Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201-5704
800-224-6830
866-915-5000 TTY