Most of us would agree: “Knowledge is power.” Curriculum developers play a pivotal role in empowering people from preschool to graduate school. These trained professionals combine their knowledge of subject matter, educational theory and instructional design principles to create engaging curricula that promote proficiency and achievement.
Discovering how to become a curriculum developer enables educators to advance their careers and shape student learning experiences. For current teachers with a bachelor’s degree, a Master of Education in Instruction degree opens the door to the curriculum development field.
Curriculum developers design, evaluate and implement educational programs for school systems. In short, they shape students’ educational experiences. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classifies curriculum developers as instructional coordinators or curriculum specialists who create engaging and effective instructional plans for elementary, secondary, high school and college students.
The role of a curriculum developer isn’t limited to devising comprehensive curricula. These professionals also review and recommend textbooks, conduct needs assessments, train teachers and analyze students’ test data. Curriculum developers also collaborate with subject matter experts and school staff to ensure that the curriculum adheres to state and federal educational regulations.
A master’s degree is typically the minimum education to become a curriculum developer, but professionals need skills as well as education to be successful. Aside from work experience, skills such as leadership, presentation, communication, collaboration and analysis are key to succeeding in this profession. The following are the typical steps involved in how to become a curriculum developer:
Curriculum developers need a strong educational foundation to be able to design teaching plans. Prospective students need to first earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Education, curriculum development and instructional design are suitable college majors to prepare graduates for this career.
A valid teaching license or certificate (the name varies by state) is required to teach students in a public or private school, but candidates should check with their state’s department of education for specifics. In addition, curriculum developers should have several years of practical experience so that they can grasp the needs of students. Also, some employers seek curriculum developers with grade level or subject matter expertise.
Most public school positions require a master’s degree to work as a curriculum developer. A graduate degree program in education or instruction allows students to specialize in areas such as elementary education, middle grades, PK-12, general education and special education. Graduate education programs tend to focus on more advanced topics like theory, research and instructional technology.
Curriculum developers may be called upon to troubleshoot or assist teaching staff with technical issues as part of online learning programs. Because these learning experts continuously review and improve curricula, they should be able to adapt to new digital formats.
With experience, the next career step can well be instructional design, which focuses on how students learn rather than what they’re taught. While these two occupations share common goals, instructional designers concentrate more on the “look” of the materials through audio, video and interactive tools to engage visual learners, for example.
In learning how to become a curriculum developer, it’s important to maintain your professional development in a given subject or grade level. Attending conferences and workshops related to curriculum design can help you stay informed on best practices and trends in this evolving field.
In addition, staying up to date on legislative changes can influence your curriculum plans and help you stand out when seeking employment. When states pass laws and revise educational policies, education departments need curriculum developers to review and incorporate changes that can affect learning on all levels.
The median annual salary for curriculum developers was around $70,200, according to June 2023 data from Payscale. Factors such as location, employer and years of experience can impact salaries. For instance, Payscale reports that curriculum developers with 10 to 19 years of experience made around $78,000 per year during the same period.
The BLS categorizes curriculum developers as instructional coordinators. This group had a 7 percent employment outlook from 2021 to 2031. Demand is needed the most in elementary and secondary schools, followed by higher education, educational support services and the government.
If you have a passion for education and want to make an impact on student learning, consider advancing your knowledge with a master’s degree. Augusta University Online’s Master of Education in Instruction program can prepare you for a career as a curriculum developer.
What sets their master’s degree program apart is its inclusive learning space and integration of new technologies. Students can also choose from 21 customizable tracks to align with their career goals. With the program’s focus on practical learning and advanced teaching strategies, graduates can feel confident in being able to empower learners and advance their careers. Learn more about how AU Online’s MEd in Instruction can advance your education career.
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Sources:
Indeed, 5 Curriculum Designer Skills and How to Highlight Them
Indeed, How to Become a Curriculum Developer (With Tips)
Payscale, Average Curriculum Developer Salary
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Instructional Coordinators
ZipRecruiter, What Is a Curriculum Developer and How to Become One
