Job+Seeking

You've got (or will soon have) a shiny new administrative credential! __Congratulations__!
Now, what do you do with it?

Where do you want to work?
This is one of the most important considerations when you start your administrative job search- where do you want to work? An elementary school? Middle school? High School? Close to home? How far are you willing to drive every day? Inner city? Suburban? Rural? Or just anywhere that will hire you? Answer these questions before moving on to the next steps. Many people limit their potential job opportunities by refusing to consider jobs at other levels or in districts besides their current one. That's fine, but expect your search to take longer to yield results. Also realize that advancement as an administrator may require you to be more flexible in terms of your "institutional loyalty." That is, the school where you work may be the very best in the world, but won't necessarily need an assistant principal/dean/principal any time soon. And, even if it does, it may not be the right fit for you as an administrator. Be willing to find the next "best school in the world!"

Finding the job openings
Research, research, research. After you've determined where you want to work (geographically as well as level), you need to find an opening. Check the districts' and county web sites, attend job fairs, keep in touch with the school where you earned your administrative certification, and join your state administrator's association or subscribe to EdWeek for the job sections of their publications. Apply for any job you think you are 1) qualified to do and 2) willing to take if it's offered to you. Don't be too frustrated by rejection! The right opportunity for you is out there!

The Resume
If you are seriously considering applying for an administrative position, chances are you've been taking on leadership roles as a teacher for some time. (If not, you may want to reconsider your job search.)