The broad objective of an instructional coordinator is to improve the learning process for all students. Specifically, this involves research into solving educational problems, the purposes of education, professional ethics, technology and education, and diversity in schooling and society.
Instructional coordinators are experts on various teaching strategies and ways to cope with contemporary problems of classroom instruction. Familiarity with public school law is required, and they need to understand culturally, socio-economically, and/or geographically diverse organizations and students.
The instructional coordinator helps to examine and develop curriculum and promote professionalism and ethical practice among educators. Relying on data collected by monitoring and evaluating student progress, instructional coordinators are responsible for formal and informal assessment methods to plan for instruction. In addition, the instructional coordinator oversees the implementation of curriculum and standards, and reviews and recommends textbooks and educational materials.
Acting as a school and district liaison with families and the community, the instructional coordinator is a leader who fosters collaboration in promoting the learning and well-being of students. It’s important for the instructional coordinator to stay up to date on all education issues, and participating in workshops, training and conferences is expected. They can then facilitate the transfer of this knowledge to the staff in their school or district.
This is a full-time position and the instructional coordinator works year round, not following the school calendar.
Job Outlook and Salary Statistics
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that “Employment of instructional coordinators is projected to grow 11 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.” States and school districts continue to put greater emphasis on student achievement data, which results in schools relying more and more on instructional coordinators to develop better curricula and improve teacher effectiveness.
In 2017, the median pay for instructional coordinators in the government was $76,060. In elementary and secondary schools (state, local and private) the median salary was $69,540. The median pay for those in educational support services at the state, local and private level was $61,330. For colleges, universities and professional schools at the state, local and private level, the median pay was $56,630.
A master’s degree and related work experience are required in order to become an instructional coordinator, and public schools in some states require a state-issued license. Instructional coordinators with a solid teaching background and leadership experience are likely to have the best job prospects.
Becoming an Instructional Coordinator
For educators who want to pursue career advancement and become an Instructional Coordinator, Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers a fully online master’s degree program in general curriculum and instruction.
Courses in the program cover professional ethics, assessment and evaluation, and K-12 curriculum development. The online format makes it possible for teachers seeking this advanced degree to continue working full time while completing the program.
SOSU’s M.Ed. in C&I — General is a 30-credit-hour program that can be completed in as few as 12 months and covers every facet of pedagogy, emphasizing your role in supporting innovative, transformational learning environments.
Learn more about SOSU’s online M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction – General program.
Sources:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Instructional Coordinators
Career Herd: Instructional Coordinator Career