A master's degree in education usually is necessary to become an instructional coordinator, and advanced training might be necessary for some positions. Instructional coordinators work in school districts to develop new curricula and make adjustments to existing educational programs so that they can adapt to comply with changing regulations and new needs. They work directly with instructors and administrators and might travel as part of their work to consult at different school districts. A passion for education and the ability to work with diverse people can be helpful for someone who has an interest in this field.
Someone can pursue a career track to become an instructional coordinator by going to college for a degree in educational administration or teaching and earning the accompanying credentials. An undergraduate degree in education or a particular field, such as history or English, will be necessary to proceed to a master's degree. For an educational administrator, the graduate degree should focus on administrative topics, and a teacher should receive training in educational theory and practice. After graduation, it is possible to apply for a license to work.
In addition to education requirements, school districts often have experience requirements. An applicant who wants to become an instructional coordinator will need a minimum number of years experience in the field as a teacher or an administrator. It can help to work at schools that have an excellent reputation and to take an active role in curriculum development and redesign. This will be valuable on a résumé, because competition for positions can be intense in some school districts.
An advanced degree might be necessary to become an educational coordinator in some regions. A district might have special needs that can be met only by someone who has advanced graduate training. Law schools, for example, expect applicants to have Juris Doctor (JD) degrees so that they can plan curricula that are appropriate for a law school setting. Someone who wants to become an instructional coordinator at a college, university or professional school usually must have a doctoral degree.
With appropriate education and experience, it is possible to become an instructional coordinator. The process usually requires submitting a résumé and application, attending one or more interviews and touring the district to interact with teachers and see what kinds of programs are in place. If an applicant appears to be a good fit for a district, the district might make a job offer. It can be possible to negotiate the terms, particularly if the applicant is in a strong position because of specific qualifications, such as experience with minority populations.
