Educational leadership has changed dramatically in recent years. In the past, educational leaders were primarily focused on managing schools and ensuring that students met academic standards. However, today’s educational leaders are also responsible for leading schools through change, creating a culture of equity and inclusion, and preparing students for the 21st century workforce.

Here, we break down the changes in educational leadership and how to prepare yourself for these changes if you are an educator.

The Changing Landscape of Educational Leadership

The educational leadership landscape is much different today than it was in the past. Here are just a few changes:

• The role of the educational leader has become more complex. Leaders in education are now responsible for a wide range of tasks, including:
  • Developing and implementing a school vision
  • Leading a diverse staff
  • Managing a budget
  • Communicating with parents and the community
  • Addressing the needs of all students, including those with disabilities and those from low-income families
• The educational leader must be a change agent. Today’s leaders in education must be able to lead schools through change. This requires the ability to think strategically, solve problems and build consensus.
• The educational leader must be a collaborator. Leaders in education must be able to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders, including teachers, staff, parents and community members. This requires the ability to build relationships, listen to others and compromise.
• The educational leader must be a visionary. Educational leaders must be able to develop a vision for the future of education and inspire others to share that vision.

The changes in educational leadership have created new challenges for school leaders. However, these challenges also create new opportunities for leaders in education to make a difference in the lives of students.

New Challenges in Education

Not only has the nature of educational leadership changed. There are new challenges for educational leaders, including:

• The need to prepare students for the 21st century workforce. The world of work is changing rapidly, and educational leaders need to prepare students for the jobs of the future. This requires teaching students critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration skills.
• The need to address the needs of all students. Educational leaders need to be mindful of the needs of all students, including those with disabilities and those from low-income families. This requires providing equitable access to educational resources and creating a welcoming and inclusive school environment.
• The need to manage limited resources. Schools are facing increasing budget constraints, which makes it difficult to provide all students with the resources they need. Educational leaders need to be creative and resourceful to meet the needs of all students.

Despite these challenges, educational leadership is still a rewarding career. Leaders in education can make a real difference in the lives of students and help shape the future of our society.

Why an Educational Leadership Degree Is a Good Investment

If you’re passionate about education and want to make a difference in the lives of students, an educational leadership degree is a great investment. Here are just a few of the benefits of earning an educational leadership degree:

• Increased earning potential: Those with an advanced educational leadership degree earn significantly more than teachers with a bachelor’s degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for education administrators was $99,820 in 2022.
• More job opportunities: The demand for educational leaders is expected to grow much faster than the average in the coming years. This is due to several factors, including the increasing number of students, the need for more school leaders and the retirement of baby boomers.
• Greater impact on students: Educational leaders have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of students. They can create a positive learning environment, improve student achievement and help students reach their full potential.
• Personal satisfaction: Educational leadership can be a rewarding career. It’s a chance to use your skills and talents to make a difference in the world and help shape the future of our children.

How Saint Peter’s Prepares You for Changes in Education

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (K–12) program at Saint Peter’s University prepares current district and school administrators, educational leaders and classroom teachers to take on district leadership roles in kindergarten through 12th-grade settings.

We believe that educational leaders are the difference-makers in our schools. They are the ones who create a vision for the future, inspire others to follow that vision and ensure that all students can succeed.

Our program will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful educational leader. You’ll learn how to:

• Develop a school vision and implement it.
• Lead a diverse staff.
• Manage a budget.
• Communicate effectively with parents and the community.
• Address the needs of all students, including those with disabilities and those from low-income families.
• Lead schools through change.
• Collaborate with a variety of stakeholders.
• Be a visionary.

We also focus on real-world problem solving and practical application. This means that you’ll learn how to apply the concepts you learn in the classroom to the future of education. You may also work with experienced educational leaders to gain hands-on experience in school leadership.

Benefits of an Ed.D. Degree From Saint Peter’s

At Saint Peter’s University, you will be prepared to lead your school into the future. You will gain leadership skills through systemized practice, examination and research. In the classroom, we transform these theories into practical, real-world applications that you can use immediately at your institution.

Benefits of the program include:

• Select off-site locations for your convenience
• Evening and online courses
• Faculty are experienced practitioners
• Coursework can be completed in as little as three years
• Small class sizes

Let’s Create the Classroom of the Future

If you’re ready to make a difference in the lives of students, learn more about our Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (K–12) program. We can help you achieve your goal of becoming a successful educational leader. If you are ready to apply, start your application today.