careers in curriculum and instruction
DESCRIPTION
options for the curriculum specialistTRANSCRIPT
Careers in Curriculum and InstructionFind out about the types of jobs you could pursue in curriculum and instruction. Read on to learn more about career
options along with education requirements and job outlook information. Schools offering Education Curriculum & Instruction degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
Career Information At a Glance
Curriculum and instruction careers are in the field of education; there are numerous job titles and areas of practice
available related to developing, implementing and assessing education methods. The table below outlines the
general requirements for instructional coordinators, postsecondary education instructors and training and
development specialists
Instructional CoordinatorsPostsecondary Education Instructors
Training and Development Specialists
Degree Required Master's degree
Master's degree, doctoral
degree commonly required Bachelor's degree
Education Field of Study
Education, curriculum and
instruction Education or related field
Training and development,
human resources, education,
instructional design
Key Responsibilities
Develop and coordinate
curriculum implementation,
plan and conduct teacher
training conferences,
evaluate teachers' instruction
Teach education-related
courses, might instruct
future counselors,
instructors or professors,
create and teach curriculum
Use surveys and interviews
to assess training needs,
design training materials,
deliver training materials to
employees or hire training
instructors
Licensure/CertificationLicensure often required in
public schools Licensure might be required
Certification recommended
for advancement
Job Growth (2012-2022) 13* 15%* 15%*
Average Salary (2014) $64,040* $65,180* $61,530*
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Does Curriculum and Instruction Involve?
Curriculum and instruction are foundations that aid academic and procedural success in the field of education in
schools, government agencies and corporate offices. Schools and businesses often use a vast array of curriculum
and instruction models to educate and train people and to create a consistent learning culture. As a curriculum and
instructional coordinator, you may hold such titles as director of instruction, development specialist or instructional
coach, but your occupational goal would be the same. You'll make sure the school or business you work for has
successful plans, programs and materials to ensure people receive adequate education.
You might work as an educator, introducing new technology. You'd train others how to properly use it and help them
develop effective practices for their classrooms. In addition, you could serve as a mentor for new educators,
facilitators and administrators. At one school or company, you might find yourself focusing on developing
coursework and choosing the proper written materials to be reviewed and studied. At another, you'd observe how
educational materials are being used and provide feedback for change and improvement.
How Can I Start My Career?
Much of the curriculum and instruction work is done in the field of education, so you might need experience as a
licensed teacher in the classroom. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a master's degree is
often preferred or required for this kind of work (www.bls.gov). Once you've completed the requisite education,
you'll need to obtain a teaching or administrator license from your state to work in public schools. You'll usually
need to keep up with the changes in the field by taking continuing education classes, such as consulting practices
and evaluation procedures.
What Jobs May I Apply For?
In the field of curriculum and instruction, there are many different jobs available and companies that might hire you.
You could find work as a professor of education, a textbook editor or an educational consultant. You could become
a corporate training facilitator, civilian military trainer or private school instructor. Some institutions and employers
that hire curriculum and instruction specialists include universities, public school districts, government agencies,
textbook companies and consulting firms.
What Is the Job Outlook and Salary Potential?
According to the BLS, job opportunities for instructional coordinators are anticipated to grow 13% between 2012
and 2022. This employment growth is expected to be a result of schools' desire to improve curricula while making
their teachers more effective in the classroom. Your salary will likely vary depending on where you're employed, but
the BLS reports that the average annual wage for instructional coordinators in May 2014 was $64,040.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid
information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below: