Are you considering a degree in curriculum and instruction? With the field of education becoming increasingly specialized, earning such a degree could prove incredibly valuable when it comes time to enter or stay competitive in the job market. Not only is this degree applicable for those interested in teaching at all levels — from elementary school through college — but it can also open doors to alternative opportunities within educational careers and beyond.
Below, we’ll take an in-depth look into some of these intriguing possibilities that come with specializing in curriculum and instruction.
1. K-12 lead teacher:
A K-12 lead teacher, also known as a head teacher, is a teacher who provides guidance and mentorship to other teachers in their grade level or subject. Their responsibilities include developing and implementing lesson plans, managing classroom behavior, and providing feedback to students and parents. They also often provide after-school tutoring and mentor other teachers.
K-12 lead teachers must have a teaching license or certification, depending on the state they work in. They should also have relevant teaching experience, a strong understanding of curriculum and instruction, and experience with educational technology. According to Indeed, the national average salary for K-12 lead teachers is $31,279 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on the location, experience, and level of education of the teacher.
2. Instructional designers:
Responsible for designing and creating effective learning courses and materials to meet specific educational goals, these professionals possess a versatile skillset and mastery of both learning design and technology to perform their duties. As such, it is likely that they would draw upon research-based teaching strategies in order to create effective learning experiences for their learners.
Their responsibilities involve identifying and implementing specific programs and technologies that benefit the teaching and learning experience, improving the lives of both teachers and students. Instructional designers also use different types of assessments, such as formative and summative evaluations, to hone design procedures, improve future processes, and review a learning experience’s design, materials, instructional delivery, and more.
A Curriculum and Instruction degree can be beneficial for this career.
3. Instructional Coordinator:
An instructional coordinator is an educational professional who oversees school curriculums and teaching standards. They are responsible for assessing the effectiveness of curriculums and teaching methods, developing instructional materials, and working with teachers to ensure that instructional methods and materials are developmentally appropriate for each student.
To become an instructional coordinator, one must possess strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills. They should also have knowledge of curriculum development and instructional design, as well as experience with educational technology.
Most coordinators work in schools (elementary and secondary), colleges, educational support services, or for state and local governments. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for instructional coordinators was $63,740 in May 2021.
4. Education Consultant:
Education consultants work to help schools or education institutions develop and implement effective programs and strategies. They work with teachers, administrators, and parents to identify and address issues that are hindering student success. They may also provide professional development training to teachers and staff to improve their skills and effectiveness.
These professionals must possess strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, along with knowledge of curriculum development, assessment, and evaluation and a passion for staying up-to-date on the latest research and trends in education.
Most employers look for a master’s degree in education or a related field when hiring educational consultants. However, experience in teaching, administration, or curriculum development can give them an edge over other candidates.
5. Education Administrator:
Education administrators are responsible for coordinating schools’ academic, administrative, and auxiliary functions, such as academics or athletics. They plan and oversee policies at public and private schools, school districts, colleges, and universities. These professionals may also manage curriculums and educational programs at private preschools, museums, and libraries. Other duties may include managing budgets, hiring and training staff, and ensuring state and federal regulations compliance.
A successful education administrator has strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Most importantly, they must be adept at educational policies, curriculums, and regulations. Teaching or education administration experience is also required, with a master’s degree in education or a related field. As for the salary, In May 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median salary of $98,420. Education administrators, including school principals and district superintendents, are expected to grow 5% between 2021 and 2031.
6. Education Program Director:
Education program directors design and guide education programs in accordance with current best practices in education. They may also supervise staff and instructors, create budgets, and evaluate program effectiveness. Depending on the organization, an education program director may work in various settings, such as a museum, nonprofit organization, or school district.
According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for an education program director is $59,046 annually in the United States. While the educational requirements for this role may vary depending on the industry and employer, a bachelor’s degree is typically required, and some employers may look for candidates with a master’s degree or other advanced credentials. Relevant degree programs for this occupation may include human resources, communication, or business administration.
7. Training and Development Manager:
A training and development manager assesses the training needs of employees and creates training courses to help them improve their work performance. They create training materials, design workplace training sessions acquire supplies, and notify workers about the training time and location. They also conduct follow-up evaluations to assess the effectiveness of the training.
Training and development managers work in nearly every industry and typically work full-time, spending much of their day with people.
These professionals should have experience in training design, program management, or human resources, as well as excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Conclusion
The field of education offers a diverse range of career opportunities for individuals interested in making a difference in the lives of others through teaching, leadership, program development, and more. The careers discussed here all play important roles in shaping educational practices, policies, and outcomes.
By leveraging their skills and knowledge, professionals in these roles can help ensure that students receive a high-quality education that meets their unique needs and prepares them for success in the workforce and in life. Whether aspiring to work in a classroom or in an administrative role, individuals with a passion for education can find fulfilling and impactful careers in this field.
