Entry-level positions for aspiring School Board Members
Peter, a school board president, suggests undergraduate students consider "running for their local school board," highlighting the unique perspective they offer. Other entry-level involvement includes site council participation, volunteering, and exploring opportunities like coaching or substitute teaching—all while emphasizing the importance of community engagement in supporting public schools.
Community Involvement, Educational Leadership, Public Service, Local Government, Volunteer Opportunities
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Peter Wright
President of the Board
College School District
Occidental College
MPA: University of Southern California; PhD: University of California, Santa Barbara
Political Science, American Studies
Education
Education
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Consider running for your local school board (if 18 or older)
2. Attend school board meetings to learn about the work
3. Get involved in your local school through site councils or volunteering
Transcript
Q10: Entry-level positions
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider? An undergraduate student should absolutely consider running for their local school board. You have to be 18 to be on the school board, and I think an undergraduate student would bring a remarkable perspective.
Attend school board meetings to see if the work looks interesting to you. There are other ways to get involved in your local school, such as being on the site council, where they need community members. There are also other opportunities to volunteer.
Schools are a part of our entire community, and we need the entire community to be supporting our public schools. Get involved and call up the superintendent or principal to see if you can step in for a meeting. You could also go back to your alma mater and see how you can contribute there.
There are coaching opportunities, and substitute teaching is an interesting opportunity that does require a college degree, but perhaps later on. Keep in touch and keep your pulse on what's happening at your local schools.