careers in psych
jar12
FinalOnlineSlides_EducLeadershipPolicyStudies.pptxCareers in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
Dr. Robert “Bob” Schwartz
Chair, Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
Professor of Higher Education
1
Definition of Careers in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
This field focuses on improving education, which is one of the most important influences on people’s health, wealth, as well as psychological and social functioning. Professionals may focus on improving early education, secondary education, college, or a combination of these. Work might occur on the local, state, national, or international level.
2
Activities in which Educational Leaders & Policy Makers Engage
main examples:
principals and superintendents
faculty / academic researchers
research analysts, program evaluators, and policy makers (think West Wing)
student affairs professionals (Career Center, Union, Residence Life, Dean of Students, Center for Leadership & Social Change, etc.)
3
Analysts, Program Evaluators, and Policy Makers: Activities
manage and analyze data (standardized test scores, school performance, large data sets on students, teachers, and schools)
Evaluation of educational programs
Policy changes, analytic support for policy makers, development of laws re education (many emerge from policy analysis)
President Obama’s proposal for free community college tuition program
Florida State University System performance funding
developmental / remedial education policy change in FL
development of Common Core, etc.
think macro-level impacts on the local, state, national, or international levels
P-16 (pre-K through college/university)
4
Student Affairs Professionals: Activities
Post-secondary - college/university only (two and four year)
one-on-one advising
Advising First, Student Success Coaching, career counseling, etc.
program development
Outdoor Pursuits, LeaderShape, Orientation, etc.
administrative support for student support departments
Dean of Students, Residence Life / Housing, Campus Recreation, etc.
think micro-level impacts on the individual, program, departmental, and higher education institutional level
5
Organizations that Employ Educational Leaders, Policy Makers, Higher Ed staffing
analysts, evaluators and policy makers
district, state or national governing bodies (e.g. school boards and legislature)
research think tanks, non-profit organizations and evaluation firms
US and abroad
student affairs professionals
colleges and universities
sometimes businesses with adult education / training initiatives
US and abroad
6
Graduate Training Needed to Become an Educational Leader or Policy Maker
analysts, evaluators and policy makers
Usually master’s degree in Education Policy and Evaluation or International and Comparative Education, doctoral preferred for higher levels of responsibility and leading an office or agency
student affairs professionals
master’s degree in Higher Education
work experience in higher education
doctoral degree in Higher Education
7
Certifications or Additional Training Needed to Become an Educational Leader or Policy Maker
None required- may seek out extra training in statistics, data analysis, and so on.
8
Employment Opportunities for Educational Leaders or Policy Makers
legislative analysts - federal and state government
program evaluators and data analysts in the U.S. Department of Education, state education departments, local school districts
research analysts and program evaluators for research and evaluation firms
consultants and principals of evaluation firms (PhD)
research associates (MS) and Research scientists/principal investigators (PhD) in think tanks, non-profit organizations, research firms, and regional educational labs
advisors/success coaches in college or university departments
residence hall directors (MS) at colleges or universities
student activities coordinators (MS) in the FSU Union
Greek Life advisors (MS)
Orientation program coordinators (MS)
9
Salaries for Educational Leaders, Policy Makers, Higher Ed administrators
analysts, evaluators and policy makers
$35,000-$150,000+ / year- ranging from early master’s degree holders to doctoral level with experience and head of agency, think tank, etc.
student affairs professionals
$30,000( with room and board) -$140,000+_ –per year ranging from early master’s degree holders to doctoral levels with experience 10 or more years
10
Flexibility in Working Conditions for Educational Leaders, Policy Makers, Higher Ed
generally 8 am – 5 pm jobs, with lots of flexibility (no clocking in or out) but depends on positions and responsibilities
there are fast-paced times (reports are due, school is beginning) and slower times (summer or winter breaks)
almost everyone works through the summer, but it feels lighter because American students tend to be on break
generally supportive cultures
attention to race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, ability, etc. issues for our students = attention to the same issues for faculty/staff working conditions
11
Skills & Experiences Undergrads Should Acquire if Interested in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
critical thinking, analytical reading, (for some) strong quantitative analysis skills
Experience in and tolerance for working with others; team player
leadership experiences, e.g. involvement with student organizations, groups, or interest areas with demonstrated service
international experiences / familiarity with international educational issues if you want to work abroad
Capacity for “thinking on your feet”, creativity, problem solving
Commitment to ethical standards, work on behalf of others
GRE scores- minimums: 149 Verbal, 147 Quantitative, and 3.5 Writing
GPA (undergrad)- prefer 3.0 on 4pt scale, esp. for last 60 hours (major)
12
Most Rewarding Aspect of Educational Leader, Policy Maker, Higher Ed Professional
broad, highly relevant impacts
education is considered one of the most important influences in people’s lives (personally and for their well-being which can also impact future generations)
strong education systems improve communities and economies
educational leaders and policy makers are the experts who actually create change
compared to many educational fields, good pay and manageable hours
Influences on local, state, or federal policies
Higher ed professionals work with college students and can influence their lives and direction through advising, support, mentoring
13
Biggest Drawback of being an Educational Leader and Policy Maker
Some people may not understand exactly what you do
everyone has an opinion on what’s wrong in education
there is rarely a “right” or “perfect” solution to the problems
limited resources ($$) means we can’t do everything, money can be tight
Biggest Drawback of being a
14
Website Recommendations for Students Interested in Educational Leadership or Policy Studies
University Council for Educational Administrators – http :// www.ucea.org
Association for Education Finance and Policy - aefpweb.org
Comparative and International Education Society - http://cies2015.org/
Student affairs/Higher ed professionals
NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education http :// www.naspa.org/careers/undergraduate/careers-in-student-affairs-month
ACPA College Student Educators International-www.myacpa.org/
15
