Expert: Bonnie Shimmin - 8/3/2010

Question
Hello Bonnie,

Also living in California, I thought that we would be a good match together. I also wanted to become a school administrator. I am receiving my Bachelor's in Mathematics and then a Master's in Business Administration from CSU Fresno. Is there anything that I can do to help  me pave that road? I have great ideas for generating better schools from experience studying outside the U.S. and working in focus groups with school administrators. And when the time will come to looking for a job should my age be of a concern as I will complete my Bachelor's in Math before I turn 21? Also, if I wanted to teach Math in college will I have to have a Master's in Math or can I have the MBA; and could I land a job as a school administrator with a Master's in Math to keep that option open of teaching in college? What is the better option?

Sorry if it's too much.

Answer
Dear Anton,

It sounds as if you are a very busy student right now.  It's really wonderful that you have plans so clearly in mind at such a young age.  I was 21 when I finished my BA, but didn't even really know what I wanted to do and fell into teaching because a program opened up, and my husband and I both decided to teach.  It was much later that I thought about administration.  As a matter of fact, I told my husband that I would NEVER become an administrator because I wanted always to be in the classroom.  Things change, don't they?

With regard to your specific questions:

1.  You must be a teacher for at least five years before becoming a public school administrator, and I think it's  a good idea in any case.  The reason is that administrators (e.g., principals) work so closely with teachers, they need to know what teachers are up against before being able to tell them what to do.  Being young is not a detriment to becoming an administrator, but it's important to have credibility with your staff.  It's the same with upper management too.  I once worked with an assistant superintendent who had never been a principal and when she told us what we should be doing, no one believed her.  Plus, she had really crummy ideas which didn't help.

2.  As far as I know, you must have a Master's Degree in the subject you wish to teach at the university level - though private colleges may be able to make their own rules.  I have a BA in English and an MA in Education, and could only teach education at Cal State Los Angeles.  

3.  In order to be an administrator at a public school in California (and probably other states too) you must have an administrative credential as well as an MA or MS or MBA.  Most people have the degree in School Administration because then you receive your degree and credential at the same time.  

Hope this helps,
Bonnie