I wrote the column below for Iowa ASCD’s “The Source,” an e-newsletter for state ASCD affiliate members.
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So, you want to become a curriculum lead?
Around this time of the year, I usually receive an email or two from a teacher who is interested in transitioning to a more defined curriculum role. Whether it’s a classroom teacher who recently completed a masters program or a veteran educator thinking about a teacher leadership role created by TLC funds, desiring to have an impact beyond the classroom can be an exciting, yet uncertain time. In my experience and observations, several different roles exist involving curriculum leadership. I will unpack each one in the following paragraphs.
Instructional Coaches
The specific responsibilities of an instructional coach often vary by district or building, however these educators are charged with assisting adults improve their practice as educators. Sometimes, instructional coaches work alongside individual teachers to provide instructional feedback. Other times instructional coaches work with groups of teachers (i.e. data teams or collaborative learning teams). Jim Knight has a nice write-up elaborating on the role of instructional coaches. Finally, an instructional coach job description may include more formal curriculum leadership roles within a building or district, such as serving on curriculum materials review committees.
Some instructional coaches are content-neutral (i.e. the “elementary instructional coach”) whereas others are content-specific (i.e. the “K-8 math instructional coach.”) With an increase in teacher leadership dollars the past three years, many Iowa public schools now have funds to employ instructional coaches and other similar roles. Iowa’s teacher leadership funds come with a few stipulations – teachers assigned to a leadership role must have at least three years of teaching experience and at least one year of experience in the school district (Source: Iowa Department of Education)
AEA Curriculum Consultants
Many area education agencies (AEAs) in Iowa employ math, reading, science, and technology consultants. These positions are content-specific and frequently require a masters degree. AEA curriculum consultants are often assigned several school districts and provide support to individual teachers or entire departments, as agreed upon by the AEA and district. AEA curriculum consultants also lead workshops at the agency that teachers across the AEA can participate. Teachers who desire to make an impact beyond a single school building and enjoy making connections between and across districts may enjoy an AEA curriculum consultant role. Pre-requisites for this role include a strong content knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge and experience leading professional learning. In addition, AEA curriculum consultants are often invited to participate on state level task forces and committees when new standards and state initiatives are rolled out in Des Moines.
Curriculum Directors/Coordinators
For the past six years, I have served as a district curriculum director for over 100 teachers and approximately 1,500 students. In some smaller school districts, the curriculum director responsibilities may be assigned to a principal. Still other small districts, share a curriculum director. Larger districts may employ several curriculum directors or coordinators who specialize in one or more areas (i.e. “Middle School Director of Teaching & Learning” or “Science Curriculum Coordinator”). In my role, the curriculum director title comes with many additional responsibilities including directing the ELL, Title 1, gifted education, special education, and teacher leadership programs and overseeing the media services and technology departments. I complete a number of state and federal reports; facilitate curriculum materials review and purchasing processes; attend meetings to keep abreast of new state and federal initiatives; manage the curriculum and teacher leadership budgets; and serve as the primary contact for Department of Education accreditation. Often times, curriculum directors are on extended contracts requiring an PK-12 administrative endorsement, however some schools may honor a masters degree in curriculum or a related field.
Concluding Thoughts
Serving as a curriculum lead can be a rewarding experience. Any step away from working with the same students each day/week deserves careful thought. Hopefully, this column provides an overview of several possible curriculum leadership roles. We’re fortunate in Iowa each public school opening must be posted on TeachIowa.gov, so we have a one stop shop for curriculum leadership openings throughout the year. Are you wondering if your experiences might be preparing you for a curriculum leadership role? It would be my pleasure to review and provide feedback on your resume. Happy job hunting!