Instructional coordinators need a master’s degree and related work experience, such as teaching or school administration. Coordinators in public schools may be required to have a state-issued license.
Education
Most employers, particularly public schools, require instructional coordinators to have a master’s degree in education or curriculum and instruction. Some instructional coordinators have a degree in the field they plan to specialize in, such as math or history.
Master’s degree programs in curriculum and instruction teach about curriculum design, instructional theory, and collecting and analyzing data. To enter these programs, candidates usually need a bachelor’s degree in teaching.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Instructional coordinators in public schools may be required to have a license, such as a teaching license or an education administrator license. For information about teaching licenses, see the profile on high school teachers. For information about education administrator licenses, see the profile on elementary, middle, and high school principals. Check with your state’s Board of Education for specific license requirements.
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
Most instructional coordinators need several years of related work experience. Experience working as a teacher or as a principal is helpful. For some positions, experience teaching a specific subject or grade level may be required.
Important Qualities
Analytical skills. Instructional coordinators examine student test data and evaluate teaching strategies. Based on their analysis, coordinators recommend improvements in curriculums and teaching.
Communication skills. Instructional coordinators need to clearly explain changes in the curriculum and teaching standards to teachers, principals, and school staff.
Decisionmaking skills. Instructional coordinators must be able to make sound decisions when recommending changes to curriculums, teaching methods, and textbooks.
Interpersonal skills. Instructional coordinators need to be able to establish and maintain positive working relationships with teachers, principals, and other administrators.
Leadership skills. Instructional coordinators serve as mentors to teachers. They train teachers in developing useful and effective teaching techniques.