Even a cursory perusal of graduate school catalogs will reveal a doctoral concentration common among schools of education. Educational leadership is a fast-growing focus for scholars in the field as school systems experiment with new methodologies and revised curricula. Not only are pedagogical techniques under study, but also school funding, legislation and organizational behavior. The educational leadership PHD or EDD prepares students to operate at the highest levels of school and district administration; to communicate needs to legislators and policy makers; and to open minds to new thinking about how educational institutions are structured. Such training is well worth investigating.
Teaching and Learning
Leadership is lacking in those who are not well-versed in the latest research in pedagogy. Since administrators invest much time in evaluation, they need s solid understanding of how teachers convey–and students receive–the knowledge necessary to progress in school and in life. Coursework centers on the teacher to pupil relationship, as well as the pupil’s adaptation to the learning environment. Relevant questions to pursue include the reasonable expectations of learning outcomes. The obstacles that stifle learning are also essential to leading a teaching staff. A solid doctoral program equips leaders to guide a faculty in answering these inquiries.
Organizational Design and Leadership
Substantive classes of this kind might seem more appropriate in a business school as part of an M.B.A, curriculum. Yet bureaucratic management and organizational behavior are part and parcel to educational leadership. School systems and academic services require division of labor; separated areas of responsibility; and hierarchies of decision-making authority. Graduate educational leadership programs often incorporate classwork in entrepreneurship and innovation–not to mention budgeting–as part of a leader’s preparation. Of the three core areas that doctoral students must master, the management and motivation of organizations is quite credibly the core of the core.
Politics and Public Policy
It goes without saying that, since K-12 education is compulsory by law, government officials will have a say in how it proceeds. Largely a locally-based affair, public education nevertheless receives funding from the state; employs teachers who are often unionized; and is subject to guidelines imposed by federal and state agencies. Even private academies are obliged to some degree of accountability. Educational leadership PHD and EDD candidates must therefore learn the ins and outs of the politics of education. Political strategies, lobbying legislators and agency relationships are all prerequisites for successful academic leadership.
Is Educational Leadership a Promising Field?
Few get rich toiling in school district administration, even at the very highest tier. Yet successful leader will be compensated adequately for all the effort. It helps to be a self-starter with a wide range of interests. Along with a zealous work ethic, these traits will propel a person far professionally. The missing ingredient is the training. With an educational leadership PHD or EDD in hand, natural temperament and ability grows exponentially. The need is great as there are many struggling school districts. They are simply waiting for the right leader.
