Educational leadership coordinates instruction, operations, policy, and community partnerships to help K-12 students meet academic targets. In K-12 settings, principals, curriculum directors, and other leaders analyze educational needs at the system level to implement policies, guide teacher development, and manage resources, thereby providing students with consistent, high-quality education.
As the educational field increasingly seeks professionals who can adapt to evolving instructional models, integrate technology, and foster inclusive environments, Aurora University’s online Master of Arts (MA) in Educational Leadership with Principal Endorsement program prepares graduates to lead in both school and administrative settings. Explore how an online MA in educational leadership degree builds the managerial, instructional, and ethical leadership skills that help educators create improved learning environments.
What Is Educational Leadership?
Educational leadership in K-12 settings refers to the coordinated management of teaching, school operations, and community activities that contribute to student learning. Leaders facilitate learning environments where educators are supported and students achieve improved learning outcomes. Key responsibilities of educational leaders include the following:
- Develop and implement school improvement plans.
- Supervise teachers and provide performance feedback.
- Manage budgets, resources, and community relationships.
- Uphold policies for equity, safety, and student well-being.
Effective leadership supports positive educational culture, teacher morale, and academic performance. Principals in K-12 schools, for instance, who model strong ethics, collaboration, communication, and cultural influence help teachers feel more empowered in their roles, which, in turn, improves retention and allows teachers to better support their students. Likewise, schools that employ structured mentoring systems, utilize data-driven decision-making, and maintain regular family engagement can demonstrate measurable gains in student progress and identify strategic opportunities to enhance learning outcomes.
Why Pursue an MA in Educational Leadership?
Leaders in education face complex instructional, operational, and community challenges that require advanced knowledge and strategic management skills. Accessible classrooms, teacher development, and effective policy rely on leaders who understand instruction and administration and can influence educational quality on a systemic level.
An MA in educational leadership prepares teachers to expand their impact beyond the classroom and take on roles that influence educational settings. Through coursework in organizational theory, curriculum development and evaluation, and fiscal management, this degree combines leadership training with a focus on instructional quality, enabling educators to develop the skills necessary to supervise staff, manage budgets, and lead improvement initiatives. Graduates often qualify for administrative certification and move into roles such as principal, assistant principal, or curriculum coordinator.
Leadership roles also offer substantial professional and financial rewards. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), K-12 principals earn a median annual salary of $104,070, and education administrators earn $103,460, depending on their experience and location. Instructional coordinators earn a median annual wage of $74,620.
Beyond earning potential, graduate study under the guidance of experienced faculty broadens educators’ professional networks and deepens their understanding of policy and equity. Through collaboration and applied learning, graduates gain the skills to lead teams and advance into senior positions that influence educational quality at the school or district level.
What Core Competencies Are Developed in Educational Leadership Programs?
An MA in educational leadership program combines theory and experiential learning to prepare graduates for the complexities of the education system. Core competencies developed in an educational leadership program help graduates balance learning priorities with operational needs and guide teams through change with equity and innovation.
- Strategic planning and organizational management: Students learn to define and implement mission-driven goals that align with district and state educational priorities, connecting them with coursework in resource management and staff supervision. Studying change management and systems thinking enables leaders to coordinate schedules, programs, and services.
- Instructional leadership and curriculum development: Coursework examines the K-12 principal’s responsibilities as an instructional leader in curriculum design, assessment, and evaluation. Students learn to apply standards-based design, use Understanding by Design (UbD) models, select instructional materials, and plan professional development to strengthen teaching and student learning across all levels.
- Data-driven decision-making and assessment strategies: Students learn how to use achievement data to guide instructional improvement and measure academic performance. Candidates learn to interpret assessment results, design data systems for continuous monitoring, and apply evidence-based improvements to support academic outcomes.
- Building inclusive school communities and equity-focused practices: Leaders foster equitable, inclusive environments through strong communication and collaboration. This competency emphasizes engaging families, partnering with communities, and upholding policies that support all learners and promote belonging.
Learn more about AU's online MA in Educational Leadership program.
The online MA in Educational Leadership program gain the skills to lead teams and advance into senior positions that influence educational quality at the school or district level.
Learn MoreWhat Are the Career Paths With an MA in Educational Leadership?
With consistent demand for principals and teachers, graduates of educational leadership programs have career opportunities across a range of school, administrative, and policy roles. These positions vary in scope and setting, but they all contribute to learning environments that prioritize student achievement, teacher development, and operational efficiency.
- School principals and assistant principals: Principals and assistant principals oversee daily operations, manage faculty, and facilitate a safe and productive learning environment. They supervise curriculum implementation, safety planning, and engagement with families and community partners to support school success.
- District-level administrators: District administrators coordinate programs across multiple schools, oversee large-scale budgets, and align educational initiatives with state and federal standards. They may lead departments focused on curriculum, assessment, or professional learning, ensuring that all schools operate cohesively toward shared goals.
- Curriculum and instructional coordinators: These professionals evaluate educational materials, provide coaching and training for teachers, and ensure that instructional strategies meet performance benchmarks.
- Educational consultants and policy advisors: Consultants and policy advisors collaborate with schools, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations to develop leadership strategies, evaluate reform efforts, or shape education policy at district- or state-wide levels.
What to Look for in an Educational Leadership Program
An MA in educational leadership degree is most effective when it aligns with career-ready standards. When evaluating program options, verify accreditation and state certification to confirm that the program outcomes meet professional standards. AU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and the online educational leadership program is approved by the Illinois State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board (SEPLB) and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
Internships and practicums provide candidates with opportunities to participate in school improvement projects, supervision and evaluation processes, and collaboration among faculty and administrators in K-12 settings. Online programs allow working students to balance graduate study with professional obligations, while expert faculty provide feedback and insights.
Take the Next Step in Your Educational Leadership Journey
Educational leaders shape school culture, strengthen instructional quality, and influence students’ academic and personal growth. Earning an online MA in educational leadership prepares educators to influence system-level decisions and lead in complex educational environments, support teachers, and enhance academic outcomes.
AU’s online MA in Educational Leadership program offers a flexible structure for working students and combines academic study with hands-on internship experiences. Learn more about AU’s degree or apply today to start developing the leadership skills to drive meaningful change in education.
