Careers in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Dr. Robert “Bob” Schwartz Chair, Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Professor of Higher Education

Definition of Careers in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies  This field focuses on improving education, which is one of the most important influences on people’s health, wealth, as well as psychological and social functioning. Professionals may focus on improving early education, secondary education, college, or a combination of these. Work might occur on the local, state, national, or international level.

Activities in which Educational Leaders & Policy Makers Engage  main examples:  principals and superintendents  faculty / academic researchers  research analysts, program evaluators, and policy makers (think West Wing)  student affairs professionals (Career Center, Union, Residence Life, Dean of Students, Center for Leadership & Social Change, etc.)

Analysts, Program Evaluators, and Policy Makers: Activities  manage and analyze data (standardized test scores, school performance, large data sets on students, teachers, and schools)  Evaluation of educational programs  Policy changes, analytic support for policy makers, development of laws re education (many emerge from policy analysis)  President Obama’s proposal for free community college tuition program  Florida State University System performance funding  developmental / remedial education policy change in FL  development of Common Core, etc.  think macro-level impacts on the local, state, national, or international levels  P-16 (pre-K through college/university)

Student Affairs Professionals: Activities  Post-secondary - college/university only (two and four year)  one-on-one advising  Advising First, Student Success Coaching, career counseling, etc.  program development  Outdoor Pursuits, LeaderShape, Orientation, etc.  administrative support for student support departments  Dean of Students, Residence Life / Housing, Campus Recreation, etc.  think micro-level impacts on the individual, program, departmental, and higher education institutional level

Organizations that Employ Educational Leaders, Policy Makers, Higher Ed staffing  analysts, evaluators and policy makers  district, state or national governing bodies (e.g. school boards and legislature)  research think tanks, non-profit organizations and evaluation firms  US and abroad  student affairs professionals  colleges and universities  sometimes businesses with adult education / training initiatives  US and abroad

Graduate Training Needed to Become an Educational Leader or Policy Maker  analysts, evaluators and policy makers  Usually master’s degree in Education Policy and Evaluation or International and Comparative Education, doctoral preferred for higher levels of responsibility and leading an office or agency  student affairs professionals  master’s degree in Higher Education  work experience in higher education  doctoral degree in Higher Education

Certifications or Additional Training Needed to Become an Educational Leader or Policy Maker  None required- may seek out extra training in statistics, data analysis, and so on.

Employment Opportunities for Educational Leaders or Policy Makers  legislative analysts - federal and state government  program evaluators and data analysts in the U.S. Department of Education, state education departments, local school districts  research analysts and program evaluators for research and evaluation firms  consultants and principals of evaluation firms (PhD)  research associates (MS) and Research scientists/principal investigators (PhD) in think tanks, non-profit organizations, research firms, and regional educational labs  advisors/success coaches in college or university departments  residence hall directors (MS) at colleges or universities  student activities coordinators (MS) in the FSU Union  Greek Life advisors (MS)  Orientation program coordinators (MS)

Salaries for Educational Leaders, Policy Makers, Higher Ed administrators  analysts, evaluators and policy makers  $35,000-$150,000+ / year- ranging from early master’s degree holders to doctoral level with experience and head of agency, think tank, etc.  student affairs professionals  $30,000( with room and board) -$140,000+_ –per year ranging from early master’s degree holders to doctoral levels with experience 10 or more years

Flexibility in Working Conditions for Educational Leaders, Policy Makers, Higher Ed  generally 8 am – 5 pm jobs, with lots of flexibility (no clocking in or out) but depends on positions and responsibilities  there are fast-paced times (reports are due, school is beginning) and slower times (summer or winter breaks)  almost everyone works through the summer, but it feels lighter because American students tend to be on break  generally supportive cultures  attention to race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, ability, etc. issues for our students = attention to the same issues for faculty/staff working conditions

Skills & Experiences Undergrads Should Acquire if Interested in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies  critical thinking, analytical reading, (for some) strong quantitative analysis skills  Experience in and tolerance for working with others; team player  leadership experiences, e.g. involvement with student organizations, groups, or interest areas with demonstrated service  international experiences / familiarity with international educational issues if you want to work abroad  Capacity for “thinking on your feet”, creativity, problem solving  Commitment to ethical standards, work on behalf of others  GRE scores- minimums: 149 Verbal, 147 Quantitative, and 3.5 Writing  GPA (undergrad)- prefer 3.0 on 4pt scale, esp. for last 60 hours (major)

Most Rewarding Aspect of Educational Leader, Policy Maker, Higher Ed Professional  broad, highly relevant impacts  education is considered one of the most important influences in people’s lives (personally and for their well-being which can also impact future generations)  strong education systems improve communities and economies  educational leaders and policy makers are the experts who actually create change  compared to many educational fields, good pay and manageable hours  Influences on local, state, or federal policies  Higher ed professionals work with college students and can influence their lives and direction through advising, support, mentoring

Biggest Drawback of being an Educational Leader and Policy Maker  Some people may not understand exactly what you do  everyone has an opinion on what’s wrong in education  there is rarely a “right” or “perfect” solution to the problems  limited resources ($$) means we can’t do everything, money can be tight Biggest Drawback of being a

Website Recommendations for Students Interested in Educational Leadership or Policy Studies  University Council for Educational Administrators –  Association for Education Finance and Policy - aefpweb.org  Comparative and International Education Society -  Student affairs/Higher ed professionals  NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education month NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education month  ACPA College Student Educators International- ACPA College Student Educators International-