This career is expected to grow 23 percent—much faster than average—through 2018.

An increasing emphasis on the quality of education, and on accountability, requires instructional coordinators who can integrate state and federal standards into local curricula. Opportunities will be best for those who specialize in reading, math, and science.

There also will be a need for more instructional coordinators to show teachers how to use technology in the classroom.

In 2008, instructional technologists and instructional coordinators earned an average salary of $56,880. The middle 50 percent earned $42,070 to $75,000. The highest 10 percent earned more than $93,250.

Instructional coordinators—also known as curriculum specialists, personnel development specialists, instructional coaches or directors of instructional material—evaluate how well a school or training program’s curriculum, or plan of study, meets students’ needs. Based on their research and observations of instructional practice, they recommend improvements.

They may develop curricula, select textbooks and other materials, train teachers, and assess educational programs for quality and adherence to regulations and standards. They also assist in implementing new technology in the classroom.

In addition to developing curriculum and instructional materials, many instructional coordinators also plan and provide on-site education for teachers and administrators. Instructional coordinators mentor new teachers and train experienced ones in the latest instructional methods.

At the primary and secondary school level, instructional coordinators often specialize in specific subjects, such as reading, language arts, mathematics or science. 

The minimum educational requirement for most instructional coordinator positions in public schools is a master’s or higher degree—usually in education—plus a state teacher or administrator license.

Instructional coordinators should have training in curriculum development and instruction or in the specific field for which they are responsible, such as mathematics or history. Licensed teachers can often add a certificate at the graduate or undergraduate level to qualify for state licensure in this educational field.

Licensing: Instructional coordinators must be licensed to work in public schools. Some states require a teaching license, whereas others require an education administrator license. Licensing is not usually required in private education or to teach or train adults in corporate settings.

Before enrolling in any online education degree area make sure it will meet the specific licensing needs of your state if your goal is to work as a licensed instructor in the public schools.

Entering the Field: Study the licensing requirements for the state in which you wish to work. Typically the path to becoming an instructional coordinator follows the same path as either becoming a teacher or becoming an educational administrator.

Career Changers: Many people become instructional coordinators after working for several years as teachers or trainers. Writers sometimes specialize in education or curriculum writing. Also beneficial is work experience in an education administrator position, such as a principal or assistant principal, or in another advisory role, such as a master teacher.

To bypass licensing, which is required to work pre-K-12 in public schools, consider an entry-level job at a private school or work as an adult educator in corporate environments.