26 March, 2025
For many education sector professionals, especially those interested in leadership or administration roles, a master’s in K-12 educational leadership degree can be a key path to career advancement. This graduate degree is designed to help strengthen core competencies and skills relevant to education leadership, such as:
- Research
- Organizational leadership
- Data-based decision-making
- School improvement planning
The career outcomes of a Master of Education in Educational Leadership (K-12) can vary, but most individuals who seek this degree are current teachers who are looking to advance into leadership positions. As leaders of schools, districts and private companies in the education sector, these professionals are able to leverage the skills they learn in their master’s degree to foster inclusive and supportive school environments.
Careers With a Master’s in Educational Leadership
An M.Ed. Educational Leadership (K-12) from a distinguished university, like Lehigh College of Education, opens up an array of career pathways to graduates, such as educational administration, specialized teaching roles and principal roles in public and private schools. Some examples include:
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| School principal | $106,400 |
| Assistant principal | $85,900 |
| Instructional coordinator | $64,300 |
| Education administrator | $70,100 |
| Curriculum developer | $74,700 |
Source: Lightcast
*A degree does not guarantee a role or salary, which can vary based on factors including years of experience and geographic location.
School Principal
Median Annual Salary: $106,400 (Per Lightcast)
Principals are responsible for establishing procedures that ensure the wellbeing and performance of all students, working to meet school board goals and taking on a leadership role among educators in a primary, elementary or secondary school. Principals may also be tasked with:
- Training
- Administrative duties
- Managing the schools budget
- Hiring new teachers and assigning staff to roles
- Overseeing all departments within the school
- Building positive relationships with students, parents, teachers and administrators
Assistant Principal
Median Annual Salary: $85,900 (Per Lightcast)
Assistant principals carry out tasks that support the efforts of the principal, in addition to helping students, teachers and other administrators reach important milestones and goals. Assistant principals might be tasked with carrying out administrative duties, communicating with parents and teachers and supporting principals in matters such as establishing procedures and conducting training.
Instructional Coordinator
Median Annual Salary: $64,300 (Per Lightcast)
Instructional coordinators play an important role in aligning school curricula with the objectives and goals laid out by the school board, district, state and even the federal Department of Education. These professionals apply their skills and knowledge to help ensure that teaching and learning are aligned with these broader goals and objectives. They might work with teachers to:
- Establish or implement training
- Communicate between administrators and educators
- Ensure that lesson plans are aligned with broad, long-term goals
Education Administrator
Median Annual Salary: $70,100 (Per Lightcast)
Education administrators perform a variety of tasks that help ensure schools and other educational institutions can operate effectively. Specific roles can vary greatly between institutions, but these professionals will typically leverage skills such as leadership, procedure development, training material development and more.
Curriculum Developer
Median Annual Salary: $74,738 (Per Lightcast)
Curriculum developers design and implement educational programs and materials to enhance learning experiences across schools, colleges and training organizations. They work closely with educators to align curricula with academic standards, learning objectives and student needs. Responsibilities include researching educational trends, creating lesson plans and evaluating program effectiveness. This role requires expertise in instructional design, collaboration and creativity to develop engaging and impactful curricula that support student success.
Education Sector Job Outlook
The K-12 education sector outlook is generally positive, with strong growth anticipated globally and average growth expected in the United States. A few factors contributing to this growth include:
- Classroom technology integrations
- Increased focus on personalized learning
- Emphasis on STEM subjects
- Growth of private education
- Increased emphasis on teachers’ professional development
- Increase in parental involvement
The North American K-12 education market is expected to record a compound annual growth rate of 14.4% from 2024 to 2032.
In order for teachers to prepare students for college, careers and life, they need the support of well-trained and well-educated principals, administrators and leaders. Education leaders can leverage their skills to support big-picture concerns, namely developing comprehensive curricula, supporting student success strategies and ensuring that institutions align with the demands of the education sector. As such, K-12 education leaders can expect to perform fulfilling work while also earning a comfortable wage.
Why Should I Earn a Master’s in Educational Leadership?
Students in an educational leadership master’s program will gain expert-level knowledge in crucial areas. This can typically be understood through three core competency areas: data-oriented skills, education-focused skills and leadership skills. Students in Lehigh’s M.Ed. in Educational Leadership (K-12) will complete a rigorous curriculum that covers all of these areas in an engaging and flexible environment.
Data Skills
- Research
- Data-based decision-making
- School resource management
Education Skills
- Leading inclusive learning systems
- Diversity and multicultural perspectives
- Instructional leadership
Leadership Skills
- Organizational leadership
- Change management
- Supervision and professional development
- Law and ethics
At Lehigh, master’s in educational leadership students also have the option to work toward their Pennsylvania Principal Certification. Through two additional courses and two internship experiences, students will be one step closer to their Principal Certification.
In addition to enhancing your knowledge and skills, gaining advanced education can have notable impacts within the job market, with many employers seeking out candidates with more extensive training in their respective domains. According to the BLS, professionals with graduate-level degrees earn higher wages and are the least likely to experience unemployment.
The skills and knowledge gained in a master’s in education leadership are vital for current and aspiring education leaders. This degree helps professionals position themselves for success in a competitive job market.
Become an Education Leader With a Master’s From Lehigh
The Master of Education in Educational Leadership (K-12) degree from the Lehigh College of Education gives education professionals the training they need to work in leadership roles within a wide variety of educational settings. This program is available in online and hybrid formats, offering students the flexibility to learn at our Bethlehem, PA campus or from their homes across the U.S.
Students work through a comprehensive core curriculum and can choose to pursue an optional 10 credit Principalship Certification and work toward their Pennsylvania principal certification.
Learn how the College of Education is supporting its students
Our faculty provide comprehensive instruction on key skill areas for education leaders, including organizational leadership, research, data-based decision-making and diversity, equity and inclusion.
The Lehigh College of Education is home to top-ranked academic programs. We prepare students for leadership roles in evidence-based, cross-disciplinary inquiry that shapes educational practices on the national and international level.
Learn more about the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership (K-12) by downloading a brochure, or start your application today.
To learn more about the online programs at Lehigh University College of Education and download a brochure, please fill out the form. You can also talk one-on-one with an enrollment specialist directly by calling (610) 215-2867 or emailing us at edprograms@lehigh.edu.