From organizing classroom supplies and managing daily lessons to negotiating district budgets, the leap from classroom instructor to educational leader is transformative. As system-wide innovators, these professionals have to tackle complex challenges such as equity gaps, staffing shortages and policy inertia. Making this leap successfully requires both advanced knowledge and practical leadership skills that go beyond traditional teaching experience.
For those who are seeking knowledge and a hands-on approach, pursuing an online Doctor of Education (EdD) degree at Alverno College can be a great way to gain the expertise and credentials needed to confidently take on those challenges. Through flexible online options and concentrations tailored to real-world needs, the program is designed to turn seasoned educators into impactful decision-makers.
The Role of Today’s Leaders in Schools and Beyond
All of us have had at least one teacher who we can confidently say “changed our lives.” In the classroom, teachers can indeed be powerful agents of change, influencing individual students and inspiring them to go further to achieve their fullest potential.
The influence of educational leaders, on the other hand, stretches far beyond classrooms or even school walls. From redesigning district-wide curricula to leading institutional reforms in higher education, today’s leaders have the potential to shape outcomes for entire communities. And, with an EdD, they are better equipped to address systemic issues such as equity disparities, funding challenges, teacher burnout and achievement gaps.
Of course, not every career in education requires a doctoral degree. But pursuing an EdD can be an excellent pathway for educators interested in making a bigger impact while increasing their earning potential. Advanced credentials unlock access to some of the highest levels of educational leadership.
Professional Opportunities for EdD Graduates and Their Salaries
Graduating with an EdD opens doors to some of the most dynamic and influential roles in education today. Positions such as district superintendent, chief academic officer, higher education dean and instructional coordinator are just a few examples of where this degree can lead.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for principals in 2024 was $105,350. Those in superintendent or chief executive roles — classified under top executives — earned upwards of $206,420. In contrast, postsecondary teachers without advanced credentials typically earn around $83,980, creating a substantial financial incentive for leadership advancement.
Beyond salary, the roles themselves are future-focused. The Schools That Lead blog notes that many superintendents, for example, are “politically savvy” and have “a deep commitment to educational excellence.” Professionals with an EdD are often tasked with advancing professional development programs, shaping public education policy and managing strategic innovation projects across school systems.
EdD holders may also become consultants, policy analysts or executive coaches, expanding the reach and relevance of their work well beyond one institution. And, for those craving bigger challenges, an EdD can also open doors outside traditional school systems, including in nonprofit educational organizations and international NGOs.
The Value of an EdD Degree from Alverno College
Unlike a traditional PhD, the EdD focuses on applied leadership. It empowers educators to lead with data, advocate with integrity and implement solutions that impact everything from student retention to policy reform. What sets Alverno College’s EdD program apart is its emphasis on flexibility, applied learning and personalized leadership development. With concentrations in K–12 Leadership, Higher Education Leadership and Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, the program is designed to meet learners where they are, both professionally and geographically.
Delivered entirely online, the curriculum allows professionals to continue working while studying. More importantly, it equips them to lead in real time. Students often use their current workplaces as laboratories for change, applying research-based strategies to address challenges in their districts, campuses or communities.
These real-world applications aren’t theoretical — they’re strategic interventions with long-term value. Students graduate not just with a degree, but with proven solutions they’ve already tested and refined in their own professional settings. And, with the support of Alverno’s experienced faculty, educational leaders can break through the barriers that are keeping them from taking their institutions to the next level.
Learn more about Alverno College’s online Doctor of Education program.