OCCUPATION: SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

Name: Helen M. Matthews Company: Glenn L. Martin School, Santa Ana Thumbs up: “The most pleasurable part of my job is the opportunity to participate in work that will affect the future. It’s a delight to watch students learn and grow. The teachers and instructional assistants and the support staff are very caring and committed to the needs of students. And we have a very supportive parent community. Our school theme is: ‘We’re shaping the future.’ ” Thumbs down: “The most challenging part of my work is working to meet the needs of students and staff despite diminishing financial resources and time limitations.” Next step: “I really see the principalship as a career position. Within that context, teacher training and staff development are special interests of mine.” Advice: “This is a career for a person who enjoys working with adults and children, because you have to interact with both a great deal. It would also have to be a person who is flexible in managing multiple priorities.” Salary range: In Orange County, principals in elementary, intermediate or high schools earn between $57,907 and $77,316 annually. Hours: Principals often work more than 40 hours a week as most attend PTA meetings, booster club functions, parent-teacher conferences and extracurricular school activities, such as sporting events, plays and fund-raisers. Educational and training requirements: Master’s degree, five years’ teaching or school administration experience, a valid California administrative credential and a California teaching credential. Size of work force: Small. In Orange County, there are about 1,500 elementary, intermediate and high school principals in public and private institutions. Expected demand: Demand for principals fluctuates as the county expands. Some school districts in central and north Orange County have put school expansion plans on hold because of either decreased enrollment or budgetary constraints. In South County, where the number of master-planned communities is still growing, schools are under construction. Job description: School principals are responsible for the entire school operation, including developing and managing an operating budget, ordering textbooks, supplies and equipment; directing activities of the school, its staff members and staffing patterns; providing instructional leadership, and assisting in the development of curriculum. For more information: Call the administrator training center at the Orange County Department of Education at (714) 966-4343. Researched by DALLAS M. JACKSON / Los Angeles Times