A curriculum specialist, also known as an instructional coordinator, is responsible for a variety of educational curriculum-related tasks. He or she evaluates educational programs, chooses textbooks and instructional technology, trains teachers, and develops curricula on occasion. Evaluation, monitoring, and research are all common job responsibilities.
A curriculum specialist’s primary responsibility is to evaluate how well a curriculum meets the needs of students. A specialist frequently meets with advisory committees and school staff to assess this effectiveness. He or she may be asked to review and recommend texts, educational software, and other items on occasion. Another aspect of the job might be to connect a curriculum to relevant careers. Staff development specialist or director of instructional material are other job titles for someone in this position.
Most curriculum specialists have a graduate degree, such as a master’s degree, and they must be licensed in public schools. The requirements for licensure vary by state; some states require a teaching license, while others demand an educational administrator license. Anyone interested in working in this field must be educated in curriculum development and instruction, and many choose to specialize in a specific subject.
After several years of experience, classroom teachers may transition into the curriculum field due to their subject matter expertise. Some educational administrators, such as school principals, take on the role of principal. Teachers and curriculum specialists will continue to update their education. Topics covered in continuing education include evaluation, analysis, consulting, and observation.
When it comes to the types of jobs available, there are numerous options. Around 40% of specialists work for public school systems, while the remaining 20% work in private schools. The rest of their time is spent working for state governments, consulting firms, family service providers, and other similar organizations. Curriculum specialists typically work long hours and travel between schools and administrative offices; however, their pay is generally higher than that of teachers.
Training teachers to use technology in the classroom is one of the fastest growing areas in the curriculum specialist field. Curricula for special needs students, English as a Second Language students, and continuing education are among the other areas of expansion. Curriculum specialists will continue to be in high demand due to the ever-changing regulations and standards that govern education.