Careers in Curriculum and Instruction
What is ‘Curriculum & Instruction’?
The recently passed legislation that requires all educational institutions to adhere to certain standards of quality in education has contributed significantly to the emergence of the field of curriculum & instruction. Also referred to as ‘C&I’, this field basically deals with designing and developing a curriculum which is beneficial for students and ensures an increase in students’ performance across the country. People working in curriculum & instruction are seasoned educators familiar with subjects such as educational psychology, techniques of instruction, curriculum design and development. Professionals who specialize in curriculum & instruction have a great responsibility as they are trusted with the duty of deciding what is best for our future generations. Coordinating with teachers, parents, students, state and federal government officials, and meeting the guidelines set by the Department of Education makes careers in curriculum & instruction extremely demanding.
Beneficial Degree Programs
In order to meet the responsibilities and challenges that come with this job, it is essential that curriculum & instruction professionals are properly educated, trained and qualified for developing strategies. A large number of colleges around the country offer a number of programs in Education, which allow specialization in education administration, adult education, early childhood education, professional training and development and curriculum & instruction. Most professionals working in curriculum start off with a four year long bachelor’s degree in education. Students enrolled in this program take extensive instruction in the areas of early childhood education, social education, health education, adolescent education and psychology. During the third and fourth year, students can choose to take courses focusing on curriculum & instruction such as curriculum planning, curriculum development, integration of information technology and communication techniques in education and educational strategy development in addition to evaluating teacher and student performances.
Academic & Career Prospects
Graduates holding a bachelor’s degree in Education & Curriculum design usually continue their education by enrolling in a Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in curriculum & instruction. This degree usually lasts two years, and is more focused on carrying out practical work and research in the field of curriculum design. Students learn the foundations of education, research techniques, theory and history of curriculum development, curriculum design & development and the role of modern technology in education. Additional courses include assessing, planning and evaluating student performance and devising curricular change in addition to planning and implementing various techniques in the education system and schools which will positively influence students. Graduates of master’s programs in education and curriculum design can avail a large number of opportunities in public and private schools, colleges, federal and state education authorities, research & development organizations and policy formation bodies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in curriculum & instruction have increased by more than 20 percent in the past five years, and are expected to continue this upward streak through 2020. Curriculum design specialists have ample opportunities for advancement and professional development, and earn some of the highest salaries in the education sector, with median wages in excess of $100,000 per year. All these factors combined clearly make careers in curriculum & instruction the smartest choice for aspiring education professionals.