Administrators & Educational Leaders

Typical Roles and Positions

Teachers and Administrators include a variety of positions, from teacher to principal, and even Superintendent. Read on to learn more about each position, and what you need to become start making a future in BC’s classroom.

Vice-principal

Vice-principals work with the principal in providing administrative and educational leadership within K-12 public schools. This includes the organization of school programs, long-term planning for the school and supporting, coordinating and supervising the educational welfare of students. Eligible membership in the BC Ministry of Education’s Teacher Regulation Branch is necessary to be appointed to this position. For some specialist positions, additional training including master’s degrees will be required.

Principal

The principal is responsible for the overall administration and operation of the school in a manner consistent with local policies and provincial guidelines. Further, the principal oversees the implementation of the district priorities, educational programs and the development of the School Plan and is responsible for the educational welfare of students.A Master’s or equivalent degree in a relevant field and senior educational leadership in a school system may be required. Eligible membership in the BC Ministry of Education’s Teacher Regulation Branch is necessary to be appointed to this position.

Director of Instruction

The Director of Instruction is a district level leadership position often responsible for student curriculum, professional development programs, and special education services.A Master’s or equivalent degree in a relevant field and senior educational leadership in a school system may be required. Eligible membership in the BC Ministry of Education’s Teacher Regulation Branch is necessary to be appointed to this position.

Assistant/Associate Superintendent

These are senior management positions which have responsibility for the general supervision of schools in the district, for the implementation of approved programs, for the evaluation of staff and programs. They also ensure that close contact is maintained with principals, staff and the school community. A Master’s or equivalent degree in a relevant field and senior educational leadership in a school system may be required. Eligible membership in the BC Ministry of Education’s Teacher Regulation Branch is necessary to be appointed to this position.

Superintendent

The Superintendent is the Chief Executive Officer of a school district responsible for the supervision of schools, implementation of approved programs, evaluation of senior staff, overseeing of district budgets and reporting to the Board of Education. A Master’s or equivalent degree in a relevant field and senior educational leadership in a school system may be required. Eligible membership in the BC Ministry of Education’s Teacher Regulation Branch is necessary to be appointed to this position.