What do curriculum specialists do

They often conduct meetings and conversations when reviewing course components, as well as lead training and professional development. Curriculum specialists make important decisions that affect what students learn and how they learn it, so they need advanced training in curriculum development. Training can come from years of teaching, working in administration, or a combination of the two. Additionally, an advanced degree in education with a focus on curriculum development can provide critical knowledge needed to succeed in the position.

Coursework in curriculum design and the collection and analysis of data is particularly valuable. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Curriculum specialists working for the government or within elementary and secondary schools tend to command the highest incomes.

Overcoming the challenges facing U. Curriculum specialists use their experience as educators and their instructional design expertise to ensure teachers reach students through innovative, creative, and research-tested course components. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Instructional Coordinators. What Does a Curriculum Specialist Do? May 17, Duties and Responsibilities The primary duties of a curriculum specialist include developing, assessing, and implementing curriculum.

Additional responsibilities of a curriculum specialist may include: Maintaining online resources, such as instructional videos or explanatory documents that support instruction Reviewing and selecting textbooks and other educational materials for school districts Monitoring student data to measure district performance in reaching state and federal standards Developing benchmarks to ensure necessary topics are covered in course components Staying current with the latest educational technology and instructional strategies Curriculum Specialist Skills Successful curriculum specialists have honed their skills in specific areas: Analysis To effectively assess and develop curriculum, a curriculum specialist needs excellent critical-thinking skills.

Decision-Making Schools depend on curriculum specialists to make well-informed recommendations about curriculum changes, instructional resources, and teaching strategies such as modeling, experiential learning, and cooperative learning. Teamwork Curriculum specialists collaborate with other educators in various positions who have differing levels of experience.

Communication During the implementation process, curriculum specialists must clearly explain procedures and the reasons behind any curriculum changes. Leadership Curriculum specialists must organize and guide other educators.

The Need for Advanced Training in Curriculum Development Curriculum specialists make important decisions that affect what students learn and how they learn it, so they need advanced training in curriculum development. Curriculum specialists need to explain teaching strategies, changes to curriculum design, and the reasons for those changes, so teachers feel invested. They also need to offer constructive feedback. This requires excellent communication skills and the ability to form positive working relationships.

A curriculum specialist works with teams of educators striving to deliver quality education to all students. Their expertise in the best teaching strategies and most effective instructional materials allows them to empower teachers in the classroom and raise student achievement. How Important Is Technology in Education? Benefits, Challenges, and Impact on Students. What Is Multicultural Education? Understanding Child Development and Learning. Start With Curriculum.

What Does a Curriculum Specialist Do? Curriculum Specialist Duties and Responsibilities Typical responsibilities of a curriculum specialist include: Reviewing curriculum in committees Creating and revising exams, scoring guides, and unit plans Choosing instructional materials and textbooks to implement in districts Setting goals for areas of curriculum teachers cover in a school year Learning about innovative instructional methods and new educational technology Helping teachers integrate new technology into their instruction Observing teachers and offering feedback Monitoring district performance by analyzing data and interpreting statistics about curriculum Path to Becoming a Curriculum Specialist Curriculum specialists work in consulting, administrative, and supervisorial roles that require a great deal of fluency in best practices for teaching, classroom management, and education theory.

Earn a Teaching Certificate Curriculum specialists begin their careers as teachers. Earn an Advanced Degree Graduate degrees strengthen expertise in areas such as educational theory, strategies for teaching diverse students, and special education, all keys to effective curriculum development and implementation. Gain Teaching Experience Classroom teaching gives curriculum specialists needed insight into how activities, instructional materials, and teaching methods play out with living, breathing students.

Skills Important to the Success of Curriculum Specialists In addition to understanding what a curriculum specialist is, those interested in the position need to learn about the skills required to succeed. The following skills allow curriculum specialists to competently accomplish the tasks required of them: Critical Thinking. The licensing varies by state; some states require a teaching license, while others require an educational administrator license. Anyone who wants to work in this job must be trained in curriculum development and instruction, and many choose to specialize in a particular subject area.

Because of their expertise of subject matter, classroom teachers sometimes transfer into the curriculum field after several years of experience. Some educational administrators, such as school principals, also move into the role.

Curriculum specialists will continue to update their education, as do teachers. Continuing education topics include areas of evaluation, analysis, consulting and observation.

There are many options when it comes to type of employment.