For education professionals interested in future leadership positions, there are few careers more important than that of school superintendent. The Youngstown State University (YSU) online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) – Educational Leadership with Superintendent Licensure program is one way education professionals can prepare for a job as superintendent in Ohio. The program aligns with state and national standards — including ELCC, NELP, OPS and OSS — and offers superintendent certification courses. These give graduates a leg up in their search for a future career.
According to Indeed, a school superintendent “manages an institution and analyzes the achievements of an entire district. They often work with a board of directors to set policies and investigate their effectiveness…[They] are usually involved in setting academic goals and creating the curriculum for each grade.” Other potential responsibilities include staff hiring, managing a school’s budget or evaluating student success.
There are certain steps that practically all prospective superintendents must take: They must gain teaching experience, earn a graduate degree, gain school administration experience and meet other certification requirements. These certification requirements can vary from state to state. According to the Ohio State Board of Education, becoming a superintendent in Ohio requires at least a master’s degree, three years of work experience as a principal or administrative specialist, and successfully passing the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) 015 Educational Leadership licensure exam.
How Do You Become a Superintendent?
No career is entirely homogenous, and there are various paths that a professional might take to becoming a superintendent. However, superintendents will probably be expected to have certain minimum qualifications before being hired. For example, another Indeed article points out that becoming a teacher is an important first step for any aspiring superintendent: “A common career step toward becoming a superintendent is gaining teaching experience. Some states or school districts may require that superintendents have a teaching background. This experience can give you a better understanding of what kind of district support teachers find useful.”
In addition to acquiring experience in the classroom, future superintendents must earn an advanced education degree, like a master’s degree or an Ed.D., such as the degree offered online by YSU. After earning a degree, the next major step is to gain work experience in an administrative leadership role, possibly as a vice principal or principal of an elementary school, middle school or high school. Finally, you will need to meet any required certification requirements for superintendents in your state. In Ohio, this means passing the OAE 015 Educational Leadership licensure exam.
What Does a Superintendent Do?
There is likely no figure more critical in shaping the success or failure of a school district than the superintendent. As leaders, they are responsible for setting the direction of policy, decision-making and programs in their schools. As the Region 13 Education Service Center states, “Superintendents are expected to work with stakeholders within their district to craft a compelling vision, setting the direction for educational excellence. This vision aligns with community values and state or national standards. It guides long-term planning, which includes setting goals and priorities to achieve the district’s vision.”
Average Superintendent Salary in Ohio
There is an increasing demand for superintendents, both in Ohio and across the nation, according to Spectrum News. The president of a search firm that helps school districts fill superintendent positions said the U.S. will likely see thousands of open positions over the next few years.
Superintendents are also usually the highest-paid employees in their districts, according to Education Week. For example, applicants looking for a superintendent job in Ohio can expect an average base salary of $94,046, close to the national average, according to Indeed.
Pursue Your Online Doctor of Education Degree With YSU
An Ed.D. program prepares students for educational leadership jobs. For those who want to become a leader in the education field, a program like YSU’s online Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership with Superintendent Licensure is an ideal choice. This program is especially crucial for educators who hope to one day become a superintendent in the Buckeye State.
Learn more about Youngstown State University’s online Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership with Superintendent Licensure program.
