Instructional Coordinators Job Description, Career as a Instructional Coordinators, Salary, Employment

Education and Training: Advanced Degree

Salary: Median— $52,790 per year

Employment Outlook: Good

Instructional coordinators are responsible for developing curricula, training teachers, selecting textbooks, and assessing the quality and relevance of educational programs. They may also have to work to implement new technologies at the classroom level.

Instructional coordinators have a number of job titles: instructional coaches, personnel development specialists, curriculum specialists, and other similar titles. They may be employed in different levels of educational institutes, and their job roles vary accordingly. For instance, those working in primary and secondary schools have to specialize in particular subjects like language, science, or mathematics. Those employed at the postsecondary level, in government, or in the private sector work in tandem with their employers and are responsible for developing training programs.

However, there are some common tasks that all instructional coordinators have to handle. These tasks include participating in workshops to promote the welfare of students, conducting teacher training programs, implementing state and federal regulations, and providing curriculum development advice.

Education and Training Requirements

To enter the profession, an instructional coordinator must possess a master’s degree together with an administrator or state teacher license. This is generally the minimum requirement for those wishing to be employed in public schools.

While opting for a master’s degree, one should choose the field in which he/ she wishes to work. For example, those looking to develop curricula in a subject like history, should get training in instruction and curriculum development in that specific field.

Another important criterion for instructional coordinators is licensure. Almost all states require instructional coordinators working in public schools to have a either a teaching license or an education administrator license.

In addition to academic qualifications, instructional coordinators should have certain basic qualities like time management and effective communication. Since a major part of their job involves coordinating with supervisors, colleagues, and subordinates, instructional coordinators should also be active listeners and have the ability to solve problems and make quick decisions. It is also beneficial to develop interpersonal skills and adopt a cooperative and constructive work attitude.

Getting the Job

State departments of education are among the most reliable sources of information as far as employment opportunities for instructional coordinators are concerned. Local school systems also list job openings. In current times, a lot of private institutes post their job requirements on websites and in job portals. One can also approach private employment agencies for information about job openings for instructional coordinators.

Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook

Experience plays an important role in career advancement for instructional coordinators. Continuing education is also equally necessary. Instructional coordinators can, with experience and educational achievements, rise to executive or managerial positions in the private sector, or attain higher administrative positions within the school system.

The job prospects for instructional coordinators are considered to be favorable in the coming years. The job market is expected to expand by about 22 percent in the next decade. Instructional coordinators with relevant experience in reading and mathematics curriculum development are likely to have the best employment opportunities.

Working Conditions

Instructional coordinators spend a major part of their work hours meeting administrators and teachers. They work throughout the year, and may often have to work for long hours at a stretch. Travelling frequently is another common feature of this profession. The work in itself is satisfying, and the academic environment can add to a sense of professional fulfillment. However, since instructional coordinators have to report to school administrators, the constant accountability factor may make the job stressful.

Where to Go for More Information

The American Association of School Administrators
1801 N. Moore St.
Arlington, VA 22209
http://www.aasa.org/

The International Society for Technology in Education
480 Charnelton St.
Eugene, OR 97401-2626
http://www.iste.org/

Association for Educational Communications and Technology
1800 N. Stonelake Dr. Suite 2
Bloomington, IN 47404
http://www.aect.org/default.asp

Earnings and Benefits

The median yearly salary of instructional coordinators was about $52,790 as per the records of May 2006. The Federal government is among the highest payers in this profession. Those employed in government services reported a mean annual wage of $84,360, while those working in elementary and secondary schools earned about $66,340 per year.

Instructional coordinators enjoy a wide array of benefits. Typical benefits include retirement plans, insurance coverage, and paid leaves and vacations.