A superintendent is in charge of overseeing an entire school district. Principals of individual schools within the district report to the superintendent, and the superintendent has the final say on decisions made within each individual school.
Skillset: A superintendent position requires the utmost in leadership skills. While a school principal may be in charge of one school, a superintendent is responsible for several schools. People skills and conflict resolution are essential skills, as a superintendent will often have to meet with both the board of education, students' groups, and PTAs to resolve conflicts.
Education: A superintendent is appointed by the state board of education. While no state legally requires a superintendent to posses a doctoral degree, it is incredibly rare that a superintendent be appointed without one. Those who aspire to be superintendents should pursue an education degree all the way to the PhD level.
Career Path: Within the educational system, a superintendent is one of the highest positions that exists. Superintendents may go on to hold high-ranking positions within the board of education, or pursue a career in the collegiate world as a president or dean.
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