What does an instructional developer/designer do?

The primary job of curriculum specialists is to develop, assess, and improve curricula and instruction. They are responsible for guiding teachers on their teaching methods, conducting research and making recommendations for improvements, and evaluating existing curricula alongside teachers and administrators. A curriculum specialist is expected to assist in creating and revising instructional materials, analyzing student data, and evaluating and improving the utilization of classroom materials. You are also responsible for finding appropriate curricula and textbooks to improve the student body's learning outcomes.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between instructional developer/designers and curriculum specialist. For instance, instructional developer/designer responsibilities require skills such as "instructional design," "project management," "articulate storyline," and "learning solutions." Whereas a curriculum specialist is skilled in "math," "k-12," "mathematics," and "state standards." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Curriculum writers are professionals who are responsible for developing new academic instructional materials, lessons, and activities to be used by teachers or instructional staff from school districts, media companies, and other businesses. These writers are required to conduct professional development sessions for all staff about the design and changes in the new curriculum. They must produce instructional videos to help educators and coaches in preparing educational and instructional materials. Curriculum writers must also head a pilot project to evaluate potential opportunities for extended learning through virtual classroom and distance learning strategies.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that instructional developer/designer responsibilities requires skills like "instructional design," "project management," "articulate storyline," and "learning solutions." But a curriculum writer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "assessment items," "student achievement," "language arts," and "science curriculum."

A curriculum coordinator facilitates the development and implementation of curriculums at schools, colleges, and other organizations that offer learning services. They primarily assist teachers in improving school curriculums by conducting research and assessments, monitoring students' academic progress, developing learning resources and materials, coordinating with internal and external parties, promoting educational programs, and securing the supplies that the curriculum requires. Additionally, a curriculum coordinator participates in implementing school policies and recommends new policies based on research findings.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from instructional developer/designer resumes include skills like "instructional design," "blended learning," "project management," and "articulate storyline," whereas a curriculum coordinator is more likely to list skills in "k-12," "educational programs," "mathematics," and "staff development. "

College scouting coordinators recruit members for their team that they see potential in. The easiest way for these coordinators to look for recruits is to organize tryouts to evaluate an athlete's attitude, physical skills, and other factors that can spell success for their team in the future or at the professional level. When they see an athlete with potential, they keep tabs on them and report their progress with their recommendation to either the coach, manager, or owner of that team.