School Principal-Administrator: Don't Get Sent to the Office...

Introduction
Get ready to rumble, come into my office and you're going to get pimp slapped and slammed. Actually, that would be a school administrator's office run by the WWE. Amidst all of the tiny crises an educational institution may face, a school administrator serves as the the iron fist of fury to knock out all potential threats to the academic community. Creating solidarity amongst the staff and all of the departments is an integral part of being a great school administrator. The head administrator can be a positive conduit between feuding departments or staffers, including solving union disputes. Be well versed in federal, state, and city educational standards and statues and be prepared to represent your institution beyond the office threshold.

Job Function
A school administrator may be a principal at an elementary school or a dean of admissions at a public or private university; either way the title carries an enormous amount of responsibility. Keep track of all school news and try to be as hands-on with the student body as much as possible. You're expected to be public figure, so take on the "presidential" persona, but don't get too carried away because you don't get to walk around with secret service. Advertisement
Lifestyle
A school administrator works all year and has to sit through meetings from budget approvals to student disciplinary action. The school administrator is allowed to have fun with the students and faculty, but should keep in mind that perception is key. Keeping professional decorum at all time is vital to having a long shelf life as an administrator; trust your instincts in decision making and always consult primary and secondary resources. Take your career and image seriously and you won't fall into any booby traps.

Additional Information
Experience is necessary to be in upper level school administration. Some administrators have M.B.As, which is an indicator of the heavy expectations involved in managing an educational institution.

Helpful Links and Sources

http://www.princetonreview.com/cte/profiles/dayInLife.asp?careerID=140