Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop instructional material, coordinate its implementation with teachers and principals, and assess its effectiveness.
Duties
Instructional coordinators typically do the following:
Develop and coordinate implementation of curriculum
Plan, organize, and conduct teacher training conferences or workshops
Analyze student test data
Assess and discuss implementation of curriculum standards with school staff
Review and recommend textbooks and other educational materials
Recommend teaching techniques and the use of different or new technologies
Develop procedures for teachers to implement curriculum
Train teachers and other instructional staff in new content or programs
Mentor or coach teachers to improve their skills
Instructional coordinators evaluate the effectiveness of curriculums and teaching techniques established by school boards, states, or federal regulations. They may observe teachers in the classroom, review student test data, and interview school staff and principals about curriculums. Based on their research, they may recommend changes in curriculums to school boards. They may also recommend that teachers use different teaching techniques.
Instructional coordinators may plan and conduct training for teachers related to teaching methods or the use of technology. For example, when a school district introduces new learning standards, instructional coordinators explain the new standards to teachers and demonstrate effective teaching methods to achieve them.
Instructional coordinators, also known as curriculum specialists, instructional coaches, or assistant superintendents of instruction, may specialize in particular grade levels or specific subjects. Those in elementary and secondary schools may also focus on special education or English as a second language programs.