How to Become an Educational Consultant

The basic concept of education is simple, but the delivery of education is quite complex. Students can often struggle to navigate the intricacies of choosing a school or finding financial aid. Also, schools themselves can struggle to find better ways to make education more accessible and inclusive. Students, their families and institutions alike depend on educational consultants to help them achieve positive educational outcomes.

Learning how to become an educational consultant is the first step toward a fulfilling, high-demand career that can improve education at its very core. A Master of Education in Instruction degree program can offer the skills and knowledge to thrive in this exciting role.

What Does an Educational Consultant Do?

Educational consultants work with students, their families or schools to improve the overall education process in a variety of ways. When working with students and their families, educational consultants perform some of the following duties.

Conducting tests and/or interviews to determine students’ strengths
Assisting in the development of skills that are important for university or college study
Helping students find schools that offer the programs that best suit their needs and goals
Outlining academic and career plans that lead to tangible goals

Some educational consultants work with educational institutions like charter schools, universities and colleges. These roles may include the following tasks.

Auditing lesson plans and teaching methods for accessibility and inclusivity
Providing professional advice regarding faculty and staff, materials and programs
Analyzing teachers, professors, curriculum and other data to ensure it is in line with guidelines, standards and regulations
Helping institutions streamline their admissions and financial aid procedures and processes
Advising educators to help them improve their teaching skills

Steps to Become an Educational Consultant

Educational consultants are highly qualified professionals who must have the appropriate education, skills and experience. Those who are curious about becoming an educational consultant can follow the following five steps.

1. Obtain the Required Education

Educational consultants generally start out as teachers, so the education requirements are similar. Most educational consultants earn a bachelor’s degree in education, then go on to pursue a graduate degree such as a Master of Education (MEd). The MEd degree offers advanced knowledge that can provide consultants the tools to lead schools and students to academic excellence.

2. Identify Your Area of Specialty or Expertise

When enrolling in an MEd program, students may choose from a variety of concentrations that can make them more effective consultants in their chosen fields. Some common areas of expertise include special education, secondary education and various subject concentrations in science and technology. Aspiring consultants should choose an area of expertise and pedagogical approach that works best for their goals.

3. Gain Work Experience

Many educational consultants spend a few years working in a teaching position, and many pursue work in their chosen field of expertise. This experience is important for any consultant’s credibility. Though it can be difficult to secure teaching positions in some fields, MEd degree programs offer fieldwork opportunities.

4. Develop Key Skills

Educational consultants can develop many of the skills to thrive in their profession during their degree programs and through their work experience. These competencies include skills in educational research, communication, curriculum development, classroom management, policies and regulations, ethics, instruction, public speaking and strategic planning. Aspiring consultants should also stay up-to-date with the career opportunities in their chosen fields and changes to state-regulated curriculum requirements.

5. Join Professional Organizations

Membership in professional organizations is optional, but it can open the door to benefits such as valuable professional networking, mentorship and career opportunities. The Higher Education Consultants Association and the Independent Educational Consultants Association are two of the most popular organizations, and each has a unique set of requirements for aspiring members. When learning how to become an educational consultant, these organizations can serve as a wealth of information.

Educational Consultant Salary and Job Outlook

The salaries of educational consultants can vary widely based on their experience and the type of employment. The median annual salary for educational consultants was about $72,800 as of November 2023, according to the compensation website Payscale. Some educational consultants are self-employed and work part time, but others are employed full time by consulting agencies. The top 10% of earners had annual salaries of more than $103,000. This number represents consultants with 10 or more years of experience who are employed full time.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts employment opportunities for school and career counselors and advisors, which includes educational consultants, will grow by 5% between 2022 and 2032. This growth will be driven in part by the demand for more accessible and inclusive education as new generations of students prepare for careers.

Shape the Future of Learning as an Educational Consultant

Educational consultants promote positive educational outcomes for students and learning institutions alike. These highly-educated professionals are committed to remaining knowledgeable about the latest learning technologies, teaching strategies and career opportunities in their fields.

If you are interested in learning more about how to become an educational consultant, Augusta University Online offers a Master of Education in Instruction program. The curriculum is specifically designed to help students build the pedagogical knowledge to pursue a variety of roles in education.

Learn more about how AU Online can give you the skills to shape the future of learning by guiding students, families, and schools to success.

Sources:
Education Technology Insights, “The Role and Impact of Educational Consulting in Modern Education”
Glassdoor, What Does an Education Consultant Do?
Higher Education Consultants Association, About
Indeed, How to Become an Educational Consultant (Plus Salary Info)
Independent Educational Consultants Association, Welcome to IECA
Payscale, Average Educational Consultant Hourly Pay
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, School and Career Counselors and Advisors