Employers

Approximately 181,600 instructional coordinators are employed in the United States. They work for elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, and educational support services firms. Opportunities are available throughout the country, but the U.S. Department of Labor reports that the following states had the largest number of instructional coordinators in 2018: California (20,910), Texas (18,560), New York (17,120), Georgia (11,080), and Florida (9,720).

Starting Out

This is not an entry-level career. You’ll need at least five years of experience working as a teacher or as a principal—and a degree in education or curriculum and instruction—to be qualified to work as an instructional coordinator.

During college, become a student member of the ASCD to access networking opportunities. Be sure to follow the ASCD on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other social networking sites to stay abreast of industry developments and network. 

Job listings can be found on social networking sites such as LinkedIn, at the Web sites of school districts and other employers, and at the ASCD’s Web site, http://www.ascd.org/ascdjobramp.aspx.

Instructional coordinators typically advance by moving up to district-level curriculum coordinator or school superintendent positions. Others become curriculum developers at educational software and textbook companies, corporations, or local, state, or federal education agencies; launch their own educational curriculum consulting firms; or become college professors.

Obtain experience as a teacher or school administrator to prepare for this career. Earning a certificate or degree in a specialty field, such as math or special education, may increase your chances of being hired.

Visit the following Web sites for job listings:

• http://www.ascd.org/ascdjobramp.aspx
• http://www.indeed.com/q-Instructional-Coordinator-jobs.html
• http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs-instructional-coordinator

Attend the ASCD’s Annual Conference (http://www.ascd.org/conferences.aspx) to network and participate in continuing education opportunities.