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How to Become a Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developers are the creative and strategic minds behind the instructional materials used in classrooms, virtual programs, and professional development. They ensure that educational content is engaging, standards-aligned, and responsive to the diverse needs of students.
As education evolves with new technologies, pedagogies, and equity goals, schools are increasingly relying on specialists who can adapt and improve curricula to meet the demands of a changing world. A Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Design, or a related M.Ed. degree prepares professionals to lead curriculum development in schools, districts, and education organizations.
Curriculum Developer Job Description
Curriculum Developers, also known as Instructional Coordinators or Curriculum Specialists, work behind the scenes to design, evaluate, and refine instructional materials and teaching strategies. They analyze standards, assess student learning outcomes, and ensure curricular resources are culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate.
They often work with teachers, administrators, subject matter experts, and publishers to align educational goals with practical classroom implementation.
Standard Tasks and Responsibilities:
| Core Tasks | Examples |
|---|---|
| Design instructional units and lesson plans | Develop a curriculum aligned with standards and learning outcomes |
| Evaluate and revise the existing curriculum | Use student data and teacher feedback to improve content |
| Train and support educators | Lead workshops on instructional practices and curriculum implementation |
| Align curriculum with assessments | Ensure consistency between instruction and evaluation tools |
| Integrate technology and innovation | Embed digital tools and project-based learning strategies |
Katz is a leading figure in early childhood curriculum design and project-based learning.
What Are the Educational Requirements to Become a Curriculum Developer?
Most Curriculum Developers begin their careers as teachers and later pursue advanced education in curriculum design. A Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, or Instructional Design is typically required, especially for leadership roles.
These graduate programs focus on instructional theory, assessment design, learning technologies, and culturally responsive pedagogy. Many programs include a practicum where students create and evaluate curriculum used in real classrooms.
Education Path:
| Level | Program | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | Education or related field | Provides foundation in pedagogy and subject-area knowledge |
| Master’s Degree | M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction or Instructional Design | Prepares for leadership in designing and evaluating educational programs |
| Fieldwork | Curriculum practicum or project | Opportunity to apply learning in real-world education settings |
Internships and Exams:
- Practicum experience developing or revising curriculum in school or district settings.
- No standardized exam is required nationally, but leadership positions may require a state-specific license.
Are Any Certifications, Licenses, or Credentials Needed?
Requirements for Curriculum Developers vary by role and location. For school-based positions, most states require a valid teaching license and some may require a curriculum or administrative endorsement.
For roles in publishing, EdTech, or consulting, credentials may be less standardized but advanced degrees and strong portfolios are essential.
Common Credentials:
| Credential | Purpose |
|---|---|
| State Teaching License | Required for school-based curriculum roles |
| Instructional Coordinator Endorsement | Required in some states for district-level curriculum roles |
| M.Ed. or Ed.S. in Curriculum | Serves as the core qualification for many positions |
Credentialing Process:
- Hold a valid teaching license
- Complete graduate coursework in curriculum and instruction
- Apply for endorsement or advanced credential through your state education agency (if applicable)
Where Do Curriculum Developers Work?
Curriculum Developers can work in public and private schools, school districts, education nonprofits, government agencies, publishing companies, and EdTech firms. Some specialize in particular content areas, grade levels, or instructional models.
Remote and hybrid roles are increasingly available, especially in online learning and curriculum consulting.
Common Workplaces:
- K–12 school districts and central offices
- State departments of education
- Curriculum publishing companies
- EdTech and online learning providers
- Educational research and policy organizations
Employer Examples:
| Employer Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| School Districts | New York City DOE, Clark County School District |
| Publishing & EdTech | Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Khan Academy, Amplify |
| Government Agencies | U.S. Department of Education, regional curriculum centers |
| Nonprofits | Achieve, EdReports, The Learning Accelerator |
See Related Articles Widget (This section will feature internal links to other education careers or specializations.)
What Skills and Traits Do Successful Curriculum Developers Have?
Curriculum Developers need a deep understanding of pedagogy, as well as the creativity to design engaging and effective learning experiences. They must work collaboratively with educators while staying up-to-date with academic standards, technology tools, and best instructional practices.
Attention to detail, data literacy, and a passion for innovation are also key to success in this evolving field.
Key Skills and Traits:
- Strong knowledge of instructional design principles
- Understanding of learning standards and assessment alignment
- Creative thinking and lesson design skills
- Collaborative leadership and communication
- Data analysis and program evaluation
- Familiarity with digital learning tools and platforms
- Commitment to equity and culturally responsive teaching
Curriculum Developer Salary Overview
Salaries for Curriculum Developers vary by region, employer type, and experience. Professionals working at the district level or in specialized content areas often earn higher salaries, particularly if they hold advanced degrees or certifications.
| Role Level | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| School-based Instructional Coordinator | $74,000 – $88,000 |
| District Curriculum Developer | $80,000 – $95,000 |
| EdTech Curriculum Designer | $75,000 – $100,000+ |
Job Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for Instructional Coordinators is expected to grow by 7% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is driven by ongoing curriculum reforms, shifts in education policy, and the expansion of digital learning.
Link to our Master’s in Education Salary Guide for more details.
Take the Next Step Toward Becoming a Curriculum Developer
If you’re passionate about designing meaningful learning experiences and improving education on a broad scale, becoming a Curriculum Developer could be the ideal path. A Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction or Instructional Design provides the foundation to lead and innovate across the educational landscape.
Explore graduate programs that prepare you to shape curriculum, collaborate with educators, and support student achievement through thoughtful instructional design.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Instructional Coordinators
- Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD): Curriculum Development Resources
- EdReports: Curriculum Reviews and Tools
- The Learning Accelerator: Blended and Personalized Learning Resources