A career as a curriculum and instruction specialist can be a rewarding and fulfilling choice for those looking to develop and improve curricula in schools. This guide provides an overview of the job description, requirements, education, salary, and skills needed to become a successful curriculum and instruction specialist.
It also provides additional resources and answers to frequently asked questions. With the right qualifications and knowledge, this career could be a great opportunity.
Job Description and Requirements
To become a Curriculum and Instruction Specialist, one must possess a minimum experience requirement in the classroom or school administration, as well as hold a state teaching or education administrator certification.
This job involves developing and improving curricula at schools, conducting research and making recommendations to administration, and evaluating existing curricula and assessing quality of instruction.
It is also necessary to possess familiarity with current guidelines, policies, and regulations, as well as the ability to teach, guide, and mentor other teachers and administrators.
Furthermore, curriculum and instruction specialists must assess education programs and ensure compliance with guidelines, develop curricula, supervise class content, and implement changes.
How to Become a Curriculum and Instruction Specialist
In order to become a Curriculum and Instruction Specialist, one must complete several steps:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in education or another approved subject area.
- Complete a professional portfolio and/or practicum in a local school district.
- Pass state-required tests for certification.
- Apply for an appropriate license from the state.
- Complete a graduate program in curriculum and instruction.
These steps are crucial in pursuing this career as they provide the necessary skills, knowledge, and credentials to develop and improve curricula. Additionally, certain exams such as the Praxis II or the edTPA may need to be completed to demonstrate proficiency in the field.
Curriculum and Instruction Specialist Salary and Job Outlook
The median annual salary for instructional coordinators is $66,490, and job outlook for this field is projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031. Factors influencing salary include education, experience, and location. Job prospects in this field are promising, making it an attractive career choice.
Here are four key points to consider when assessing this field:
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Salary range is influenced by education, experience, and location.
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Average growth compared to all occupations is 7%.
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Strong interpersonal and mentoring abilities are important.
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Licensure is required to work in this field.
Helpful Skills and Experience
Consistently displaying advanced communication, organization, and interpersonal skills is essential for success as a curriculum and instruction specialist. This job requires a thorough understanding of curriculum design and teaching theory, as well as the ability to work well in large groups and mentor other teachers. Experience in teacher training and observation is also important for this role.
Being able to communicate effectively with administrators and other stakeholders is also key. Furthermore, a curriculum and instruction specialist must have an in-depth knowledge of current guidelines, policies, and regulations. Having a background in education or another approved subject area is also beneficial, as is completing a practicum in a local school district.
With the right skills and experience, a curriculum and instruction specialist can be a valuable asset to any educational institution.
Additional Resources
What additional resources can a curriculum and instruction specialist utilize to help them succeed in their career?
Professional associations such as the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) and the American Association for Teaching & Curriculum (AATC) provide access to research, publications, and professional development opportunities for specialists.
Additionally, specialists can find answers to frequently asked questions such as, “What degree is needed to become a curriculum and instruction specialist?” and “What is the difference between a curriculum and instruction specialist and an instructional coordinator?”
To stay up-to-date in the field, curriculum and instruction specialists should:
- Attend conferences and webinars
- Join professional learning networks
- Read the latest research
- Participate in online forums
State Certification and License Requirements
How often must curriculum and instruction specialists update their state certification or license?
Curriculum and instruction specialists must maintain their state certification or license in order to remain legally qualified for their positions. Each state has its own individual requirements for certification and licensing, but typically they require renewal every few years. In some cases, renewal may be required every year or even every two years.
Depending on the state, curriculum and instruction specialists may also need to take continuing education courses in order to renew their license or certification. Additionally, many states have specific requirements for how many credit hours must be completed for renewal.
It is important for curriculum and instruction specialists to stay on top of the requirements for their state’s certification or license in order to remain legally qualified for their position.
Preparing a Professional Portfolio
When should curriculum and instruction specialists begin preparing a professional portfolio? Professionals in this field should start their portfolio as soon as they start their education program.
This portfolio should include items such as:
- Copies of certificates and diplomas
- Documentation of teaching observations
- Student feedback
- Examples of curriculum designs and lesson plans.
A portfolio should be updated and revised regularly to reflect any changes in the specialist’s knowledge or skills. This document should be organized and professional in order to make a positive impression on potential employers.
A well-crafted portfolio can help curriculum and instruction specialists stand out from other applicants and increase their chance of success.
Job Opportunities in Curriculum and Instruction
With the increasing demand for curriculum and instruction specialists, there are a variety of job opportunities available both in and out of the educational setting. These include positions in school districts, universities, and even private companies. Curriculum and instruction specialists are also in demand for their expertise in designing and implementing new curricula.
These professionals can also be called upon to train and mentor teachers and administrators on the latest instructional methods. With the right qualifications and experience, curriculum and instruction specialists can find rewarding careers in both the public and private sectors.
In addition, they can also find positions in research, consulting, and curriculum development. With the right combination of education, experience, and skills, curriculum and instruction specialists can find successful careers in a variety of settings.
Conclusion
The career of a curriculum and instruction specialist can be rewarding and fulfilling with the right qualifications and knowledge.
This guide provides an overview of the job description, requirements, education, salary, and skills needed for this profession.
State certification, experience, and an educational background are essential to success, as well as excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
Additionally, preparing a professional portfolio and researching job opportunities can be beneficial.
With these tools in hand, a successful career path in curriculum and instruction can be attained.
