High School

A well-rounded education is a good start for future work as a curriculum coordinator. In high school, take classes in English, speech, computer science, chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, social studies, and psychology. Be sure to take foreign language classes also, particularly if working in the field of English language education.

Postsecondary Training

Most employers require curriculum coordinators to have a master's degree, preferably in education or curriculum and instruction. They are also required to have teaching or school administration experience. They should also have a degree in the area they plan to specialize in, if that is their career goal.

Classes in the curriculum and instruction degree program cover topics such as curriculum theory and development, educational testing and measurements, educational research, creating curriculum for diverse audiences, and instruction improvement. Students may also choose an educational emphasis such as STEM education, elementary education, and theory and practice in social studies.

Certification

Some colleges and universities offer certificates in curriculum and instruction, instructional design, and related areas. These certificate programs may have classes on topics such as curriculum assessment, instruction, and design; adult learning and development; ideas and issues in educating young children; and supporting students with technology.

Certification or Licensing

Curriculum coordinators who work for public schools or school systems may be required to have a teacher license or a school administrator license.

Other Requirements

Some employers may require job applicants to undergo a background check.

Curriculum coordinators usually have prior experience in teaching or school administration. They may be required to have prior experience in certain grade levels, academic areas, or specialized fields.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential in this profession, particularly for gathering and reviewing information and then sharing findings and recommendations in clear ways. They must be able to effectively communicate with educators, principals, schools board members, as well as the public. Curriculum coordinators must also have strong analytical and organizational skills. They must be able to review a wide variety of data—from student test scores and evaluations of teachers to educational materials and text books—and make decisions based on their analyses. Strong time-management and project management skills are also important. Curriculum coordinators continue to learn throughout their careers, keeping up with developments and new technologies in the education industry.