How difficult is it to become a school administrator?

Question

I am beginning my master's in special ed this fall. I plan on obtaining my administration certificate after teaching for five years. is special ed a good field to go into to become a principal and how competitive is it?

Answer 1

You need to go into special ed because you want to teach special ed.  Do NOT teach something because you think it'll be "a good field to go into to become a principal."  That's not fair to the kids.

Answer 2

HARD.

Stay with Sp. ED, you'll do so much better and you will prob. enjoy it more.

I have worked in a lot of school systems teaching music and usually principal searches are rigged.

Answer 3

I'm going to say this. You are going to make MORE money as a Special Ed teacher than an administrator.

That being said, to become an administrator, you'll have 2 more years of college learning about school finances, public law, supervision. ya da yada. Also, if it is required, you will have to take what is called the ISLLC exam. Can't remember what the acronym stands for but the test is basically a common sense test.  You will learn the points of the ISLLC as you go through the administration part.

REMEMBERING THIS: Most principals are hired from WITHIN the district, not from outside, you need to be where you want to be when it happens. Realizing also, that these jobs don't come up as often, the competition can be fierce.