Considering a career in high school administration in Michigan?

I'm a junior in high school and thinking about pursuing a career in high school administration. What qualifications or degrees do I need to work in a high school administration job in Michigan after college?

Aspiring to work in high school administration is a commendable career goal. Here's a general path you might consider to achieve this:

Bachelor's Degree: You'll typically need a bachelor's degree to start. While there's not a specific major that's a prerequisite for working in administration, degrees in fields such as Education, Educational Leadership, or Psychology could be particularly beneficial.

Teaching Experience: In many cases, it's strongly recommended or even required to have prior teaching experience before you move into administration. This can help you gain firsthand knowledge of the workings of a school and the needs of the students. Michigan, for instance, requires a minimum of 3 years of satisfactory teaching experience or at least 3 years of relevant postgraduate work experience to obtain a school administrator certificate.

Master's Degree: Many school administrators have a master's degree in educational leadership or educational administration. These programs tend to focus heavily on leadership skills, educational policy, and administrative procedures and provide more in-depth knowledge needed for an administrative role.

Certification: In Michigan, you would need an Administrator Certificate which, per state law, is required for all administrative work in public school districts. This certificate can be obtained after completing a master’s degree or higher from an approved program for the preparation of school principals.

Continuing Education: Once you have your certificate, Michigan requires school administrators to meet continuing education requirements. You would need to complete 150 hours of professional learning every five years to renew your certificate.

Remember that the career pathway can vary based on the exact job you're aiming for (e.g., principal vs. guidance counselor), so it would be beneficial to have a specific role in mind and tailor your path accordingly. Considering internships or job-shadowing opportunities in your desired field can also provide valuable experience and context.