Earning a Master of Arts in Secondary Education degree is a way for experienced teachers to gain the skills they need to be able to identify and develop solutions to the challenges that instructional staff face in the classroom. Alongside teachers and other staff, instructional coordinators contribute significantly to students’ academic success.  

What Is an Instructional Coordinator? 

Instructional coordinators design and develop the curricula used by schools and school districts. They may play a direct role in the curricula’s design and implementation themselves or oversee the teams charged with these tasks.  

An instructional coordinator’s daily duties and responsibilities may include the following: 

• Developing and implementing curricula 

• Developing processes to help teachers implement new curricula in the classroom 

• Observing, coaching and mentoring teachers to help them improve their teaching skills 

• Analyzing and discussing current state and school-level curriculum standards with members of school staff and the school board 

• Educating teachers and other staff members regarding new content, curricula or programs 

• Planning and conducting workshops or training sessions for teachers 

• Examining the best ways to leverage different types of technology in the classroom 

• Reviewing current educational materials, including textbooks, and recommending changes as needed 

• Analyzing students’ test data to better determine the quality of learning occurring in a school or school system 

Unlike many teachers, instructional coordinators work full-time all year, without a summer break. They generally work for individual public or private schools or school districts, though some oversee entire city- or county-wide school systems. Some instructional coordinators work for universities, colleges, professional schools and state governments. They usually work in office settings but may also spend time traveling between schools or traveling to present workshops, conferences and training sessions.  

Requirements for Advancement Into an Instructional Coordinator Role 

Most schools and school districts require instructional coordinators to have a master’s degree in a relevant field as well as related work experience. The vast majority begin their careers as teachers, and some move into school administration roles prior to pursuing careers as instructional coordinators.  

In public schools, a master’s degree in an education discipline is required. Depending on the type of educational facility, they may also need candidates to have a degree in a specialized field, such as English and literature, mathematics or science. In private schools, education requirements may be less stringent but tend to follow the same outline.  

Licenses and Other Credentials  

Instructional coordinators in public schools are often required to be licensed teachers or educational administrators. To obtain these licenses, professionals must complete accredited teacher preparation programs culminating in at least a bachelor’s degree as well as obtain any other teaching certifications required by the state’s board of education. Background checks are also part of the licensing and credentialing process.  

Master’s in Education  

To move into an instructional coordinator role, individuals must earn a master’s degree in an education discipline. Programs for these degrees generally take between two and three years to complete, and are often available in an online format to support those who choose to continue working while pursuing their advanced degree.  

One degree option for existing teachers to advance their instructional skills is a Master of Arts (MA) in Secondary Education degree. These degree programs often allow teachers to deepen their expertise in subject areas such as English, science or technology. Courses for these degrees cover core topics that include teaching in a multicultural society, multimedia in education, methods of research and improvement of instruction and assessment.  

Another degree option for teacher advancement is an MA in Teacher Leadership, which focuses on leadership skills, school policy and curriculum development. Individuals who have earned a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree to gain their initial teaching license can also move into an instructional coordinator position once they have gained sufficient teaching experience.  

Instructional Coordinator Salary and Job Outlook 

The median annual instructional coordinator salary was $74,720 in May 2024, with the top 10 percent of earners making more than $115,000 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). An individual’s experience level, scope of responsibilities and location can influence their potential salary. Those working in government entities outside of local schools and school districts had a median salary of $85,000, and those working in private educational support organizations had a median salary of $62,800.  

The BLS projects there will be roughly 21,900 openings for instructional coordinators each year between 2024 and 2034. As parents and boards of education scrutinize graduation rates and test scores, schools and states will increasingly turn to instruction coordinators for assistance in strengthening students’ performance. 

Help Shape the Future of Education as an Instructional Coordinator 

As schools and school systems continue to look for new ways to improve their students’ learning outcomes and success, they will continue to rely on instructional coordinators to enhance the quality and delivery of education across the United States. From developing entirely new methods of teaching to selecting the best textbooks and multimedia for a specific subject, the work of these individuals is focused on enhancing teaching and learning.  

Earning a Master of Arts in Secondary Education degree from SEMO Online can prepare you for this and other education roles, giving you the tools and skills you need to help shape the future of education. In addition to the MA in Secondary Education, Southeast Missouri State University offers a range of online education degree programs, as well as on-campus offerings, for aspiring educators and teachers seeking advancement.  

Find out how SEMO Online can help you take your education career to new heights.  

Recommended Readings 

Sources: 

American Profession Guide, “Instructional Coordinators and Student Achievement” 
American Profession Guide, “Roles and Duties of an Instructional Coordinator” 
National Science Teaching Association, Instructional Coordinator Overview 
Teal, “Definition of a Instructional Coordinator” 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Instructional Coordinators 
ZipRecruiter, What Is an Instructional Coordinator and How to Become One