Augusta University
Augusta University Online
An instructional coordinator improves education at every level, from kindergarten to graduate school. At its heart, the role involves helping educators teach to the best of their ability, making learning more accessible, and ensuring that educational programs are inspirational and effective.
Individuals who are passionate about supporting the future of education can benefit from understanding specialized roles in the field, such as what an instructional coordinator is and how to become one. Additionally, taking advantage of a degree program, such as a Master of Education in Instruction, can equip them with the skills to thrive in this exciting and dynamic career.
What Does an Instructional Coordinator Do?
Instructional coordinators are responsible for addressing students’ unique learning issues. They conduct extensive research to determine the scope of educational challenges, and then determine which processes and technologies are best suited to address them.
Instructional coordinators may also be responsible for designing and upholding professional ethics, and many work hard to improve diversity in schools, districts and society as a whole.
Work Environment
Most instructional coordinators work in elementary, middle, and high schools, and some serve entire elementary or secondary school districts. A smaller percentage work for universities and colleges, and some are employed by trade and vocational schools. About 7 percent of all instructional coordinators are employed as educational support personnel, and another 7 percent work for the federal, state or local government.
Though most work during classroom hours as well as through the summer, their duties often require them to meet with educators, administrators and others well beyond these hours. Most of an instructional coordinator’s time is spent in the office, but those who serve more than one school in a district may spend part of the workday traveling.
Instructional Coordinator Duties
What an instructional coordinator is will vary from one school or district to the next. For example, instructional coordinators who serve elementary school systems will have different duties than those who work in a four-year university.
Developing and Implementing Curricula
Instructional coordinators spend much of their time improving the curricula in their schools or districts. This involves analyzing the current curricula to uncover challenges or opportunities for improvement, and then designing, developing and implementing new curricula that address their findings.
Instructional coordinators also review and select textbooks, technologies and teaching methods that best support the curricula and the students’ needs.
Implementing New Technologies or Teaching Methods
In recent years, multiple new technologies have proven effective in learning environments. These include the following:
- Augmented reality
- Virtual reality
- Gamification
- Nano learning
- Artificial intelligence
Instructional coordinators study these technologies, and then determine which may solve challenges or improve learning in their school or district.
Instructional coordinators are also responsible for keeping up to date with the latest teaching methods and implementing the ones that are best suited for their school’s goals. Methods such as experiential learning and role-playing continue to gain ground in schools and universities. Instructional coordinators determine which methods can best aid educators, improve test scores or make learning more accessible.
Organizing Educator Training
Educator training is another important part of what an instructional coordinator does. When schools adopt new technologies, teaching methods or curricula, instructional coordinators ensure that the faculty has the tools and training to properly use it. In some cases, the instructional coordinator may be responsible for facilitating or organizing the training; in others, they may deliver the training themselves.
Fundamental Skills for Instructional Coordinators
The right online degree program is crucial for developing the fundamental skills that successful instructional coordinators possess. Instructional coordinators need solid analytical skills for reviewing statistics, identifying areas for improvement and creating strategies to fill learning gaps. Instructional coordinators must have impeccable communication skills for instructing and training educators.
They must also be self-driven and knowledgeable about the latest methodologies and technologies, so they can quickly take a new approach to learning if challenges should arise.
A fundamental part of what instructional coordinators are is the ability to think like a visionary. Instructional coordinators play one of the most important roles in the education system. Teachers, school principals, deans and school board members rely on the instructional coordinator to keep things running smoothly. Those who take a visionary approach often develop the most successful strategies and curricula.
Instructional Coordinator Salary and Job Outlook
The median annual salary for instructional coordinators was about $63,740 as of May 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Instructional coordinators who worked for the federal, state, or local government earned a higher median annual wage of about $78,900. Like many other occupations in the education sector, more experienced instructional coordinators can earn significantly more than their less-experienced counterparts.
Between 2021 and 2031, employment of instructional coordinators is expected to grow by 7 percent; this aligns with the average expected growth across all occupations. Each year, just under 21,000 new openings become available due to workers who switch to new occupations, retire or otherwise leave the labor force. In the coming years, schools and universities struggling with test scores or retention rates will continue to turn to instructional coordinators to improve the curricula and teaching methods.
Take the First Step to Become an Instructional Coordinator
What is an instructional coordinator in the fundamental sense? Simply put, instructional coordinators improve education for the betterment of society. From choosing the right curricula to respecting diversity, and from implementing technology to promoting ethical practice, the instructional coordinator’s role is vital for educating future generations.
If you’re ready to change countless lives as an instructional coordinator, learn more about Augusta University Online’s Master of Education in Instruction. This convenient and accessible online graduate degree program can equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to support the educators of tomorrow.
Sources:
Glassdoor, “What Does an Instructional Coordinator Do?”
Truity, Instructional Coordinator
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Instructional Coordinators
Zippia, What Is an Instructional Coordinator?
ZipRecruiter, “What Is an Instructional Coordinator and How to Become One”
