In education, the organizational structure should support the institution’s strategic plan, which includes educational goals, student outcomes and institutional missions. Organizations that foster clear communication, accountability and resource allocation can significantly enhance the implementation of strategies to improve educational outcomes.
Professionals seeking the knowledge and expertise to apply to any educational setting can learn the principles and techniques, leadership skills and competencies needed to become leaders in the education community through the Master of Science (M.S.) in Educational Leadership online program from St. Thomas University (STU). This versatile program does not require an education degree or teaching background.
Types of Organizational Structures in Education
There are essentially four different types of organizational structures in education. Educational institutions from kindergarten through college are typically organized into a hierarchy with defined roles and responsibilities at each level. This may include the principal, assistant principal, department heads and teachers. Higher education typically includes a president, provost, deans and department chairs. In addition, there are hierarchical structures for governance, curriculum and instruction, student support services, financial management systems and facilities management.
- A flat organizational structure reduces the number of levels and increases employee autonomy, allowing for faster decision-making, such as in small private schools.
- A matrix structure combines functional and project-based approaches such as those utilized in universities with research centers. In this structure, employees report to multiple supervisors who manage cross-functional collaboration.
- A network organizational structure, such as those used by online learning platforms, utilizes decentralized decision-making partnerships and collaborations.
Leadership Roles in Education
Organizational leaders need to have a strong and lasting commitment to the culture and goals of their institution. When the commitment is well established, even a change in leadership should not affect the vision. In the book Uprooting Bias in the Academy — which is focused on achieving diversity, equity and inclusion — the authors emphasize that the organizational structure needs to include experts and also the broader community. Central to the success of the teams is clear communication and open discussion.
- Education leaders: These professionals have a variety of options available within the organizational structure of the educational institution they lead. These roles can include principal or vice principal, department head, director of curriculum, athletic director, academic program developer and technology director.
- Department head: These individuals manage the productivity and hiring of a particular department at a college or university. This includes supervising professors and instructors, recruiting and attracting students to enroll, and managing the curriculum and budget for their department.
- Principal and assistant principal: The administrative leadership roles in an organization each have specific duties, and all work closely with one another and with the teachers and board members. Principals and assistant principals manage the operations of a school and are the immediate supervisors of the teachers. They ensure that state and federal regulations for academics are fulfilled and build safe and productive learning environments for students.
- Curriculum leaders: These professionals are responsible for researching, creating and implementing the required and elective courses in their education program. This often involves managing funding, staffing requirements and the teaching specialties of faculty.
- Athletic directors: Tasked with managing sporting events, teams and hiring of coaches and athletic staff, athletic directors also handle athletic budgets and media relations. They oversee all aspects of the athletic program, which includes purchasing equipment, marketing and working with legal regulations and requirements.
- Program developers: These professionals determine the activities and academic materials used in a specific program. This includes building and maintaining budgets, reporting and aligning the program with the larger organization’s goals.
- Educational technology director: These individuals are responsible for determining the school’s technology requirements and working with vendors to provide the necessary technology within budget. This includes installing, monitoring, evaluating and maintaining hardware, software and systems in use.
Becoming an Education Leader
The goal of the online Master’s in Educational Leadership program from St. Thomas University is to help students gain the knowledge and professional skills needed to become a leader in the education community. This versatile degree program is for working professionals who are seeking roles in education, corporations or government.
The program emphasizes the principles and techniques of effective communication throughout the leadership skills and competencies embedded in the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, and Community of Care and Support for Students program focus. Courses include Applied Leadership Theory for Educational Leadership, Technology to Support Educational Leadership, School Law and School Finance. Additionally, the program’s guided field experience/practicum in a school or alternative education setting helps students apply their learning and prepares them for ethical leadership in a variety of professional settings.
Learn more about STU’s online Master of Science in Educational Leadership program.
