next »

[ajlaw]

I currently teach high school special education and have done so for four years.  I also adjunct for a local CC.  I'm looking to get into administration in either K-12 or Higher Ed.  I'd prefer the higher education track, but I'm worried that is will be hard to break in coming from high school special education.  I am planning on doing either a masters in higher ed admin or k-12 admin.  The basic question is how hard would it be to get into higher ed admin with a high school teacher background and new masters in higher ed admin?  Thanks in advance for any information.

Adam

[cj405]

What type of administrative work would you like to do? 

Your background sounds like a good fit for work in a disability services office.  The type of work you would be doing would be very different from high school teaching, but your knowledge of learning disabilities would be a huge plus.  How much do you know about the ADA and 504 as they relate to higher education?  This is important because making sure your institution is in compliance with these laws is a big part of what disability services offices have to do.  You can definitely read up on this if you aren't familiar.  Also, you have to deal with parents more often in this type of office than in many others.  So, this is another place where your high school teaching background would be a plus. 

Do you already have a master's degree in something other than educational administration?  If so, I don't think it would be too hard, but there aren't always tons of job openings in this field.

[ajlaw]

I have a MS in special education and an MA in English.  I'd like to go into student services.

Adam

[cj405]

I have a MS in special education and an MA in English.  I'd like to go into student services.

I would say that your probably don't need to get another master's degree unless you want to be a counselor (mental health). 

I've mentioned before that some universities offer a ~12 credit certificate in student affairs which you may want to look into, but probably only when your employer is paying for it.

Student services is a broad field.  There are certain student services jobs you are already qualified for, in my opinion, like academic advising or perhaps a professional position at a writing center.   

[dale1]

I agree with cj405:

I expect your background is most conducive to the following fields:

1. Disability Support Services
2. Writing Center
3. Office of Tutorial Support or Learning Resource Center (or equivalent).

My suggestion is to do informational interviews with institutions in your area, and don't forget the 2-year sector.  All campuses need disability support personnel, and in my experience many of these offices are, sadly, understaffed and underfunded.  So don't expect to get wealthy! And it looks like you may be moving from a 10 month to a 12 month contract. Be sure to consider that in salary negotiations, if it ever gets to that.

[zharkov]

Let me just add that getting an admin job in higher ed is different than getting an admin job in K12.  The way it works, at least in my state, is that one needs a state license to become a K12 admin (asst principal, principal, superintendent, and so on), which one basically obtains via coursework (and maybe some experience, etc.)  But if one is able to obtain the right K12 credential, then that is the major hurdle to getting a job.  Higher ed, in contrast, is less credentialing driven, so while a master's may help, it is not a slam dunk.

[cj405]

Higher ed, in contrast, is less credentialing driven, so while a master's may help, it is not a slam dunk.

That's a good point.  I don't know anything about K-12 administration jobs, so what I said up-thread only relates to higher education student services jobs.

A lot of higher education administrations jobs require a certain level of education and a background that is in some way related.  That's why job ads will often say, "a master's degree in counseling, student affairs, educational leadership, social work, or related field..."  My department does require M-somethings, but we've got an MSW, a MLS, several MEds, and people with an MA or MS in an academic field. 

[csaosomeday]

This is one of those cases for AFTDJ (if you don't know that thread, search by initials).  The phrase "or a related field" is often interpreted quite broadly.  Apply for those things that seem interesting to you, but with the caveat that it is tough out there, with so many institutions having to handle budget cuts.  Cast your net widely.

[higheredguy]

I would echo what others are saying and tell you not to get another masters. Why don't you get a doctorate instead?