Most school districts require instructional coordinators to have at least a master’s degree. In addition, they often require them to be licensed teachers or licensed school administrators.
School districts generally require instructional coordinators to have at least a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction or in a related field. Some instructional coordinators have a master’s degree in the content field they plan to specialize in, such as math or history.
Master’s programs in curriculum and instruction teach students about curriculum design, instructional theory, and collecting and analyzing data. To enter these master’s programs, students usually need a bachelor’s degree from a teacher education program or in a related field.
Instructional coordinators in public schools are generally required to be licensed. Most school districts require a teaching license; some require 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.
Most school districts require instructional coordinators to have experience working as a teacher or as a principal or other school administrator. For some positions, they may require experience teaching a specific subject or grade level.
Analytical skills. Instructional coordinators review data on students and use the information to adjust the curriculum and teaching strategies.
Communication skills. Instructional coordinators need to explain changes in the curriculum and teaching standards to teachers and school administrators. To do so, they need good communication skills.
Decision-making skills. Instructional coordinators decide on aspects of education that have profound implications for what teachers do and what students learn. They must use good judgment in choosing textbooks and choosing classroom instruction techniques.
Instructional skills. Instructional coordinators need to be able to train teachers on the newest teaching techniques and tools.
People skills. Working with teachers and other administrators is an important part of instructional coordinators’ jobs. They need to be able to establish and maintain good working relationships with their colleagues.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition