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Education

Education

Curriculum Developer

Modern white structure with glass windows reflecting sky

Shape Educational Content

Improve Learning Outcomes

Influence Classroom Practice

Path to completion

Path to completion

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Education and Special Education Track

4 Semesters

$20k-$60K

Master of Science in Education & Special Education

4 Semesters

$20k-$60K

Post-Graduate

No degrees available

Alternative Path A

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Master of Science in Education & Special Education

This is the educational pathway. There may be additional tests or licensure requirements necessary before begining to practice in the field. Consult your state guidelines for more. information.

Career Reality

Average Salary
The median annual wage for instructional coordinators, which includes curriculum developers, was $74,620 in May 2024.

Job Market Demand
Employment of instructional coordinators is projected to grow about 2% from 2023 to 2033, with openings driven largely by retirements and district needs.

Work Environment
Office-based role within school districts, educational organizations, or education-focused companies, often collaborating with teachers and administrators.

Common Employers
Public and private school districts, charter schools, educational publishers, nonprofit educational organizations, and government education departments.

Career Advancement
Progression into senior curriculum specialist, director of curriculum, academic director, or district-level instructional leadership roles.

Career Reality

Average Salary
The median annual wage for instructional coordinators, which includes curriculum developers, was $74,620 in May 2024.

Job Market Demand
Employment of instructional coordinators is projected to grow about 2% from 2023 to 2033, with openings driven largely by retirements and district needs.

Work Environment
Office-based role within school districts, educational organizations, or education-focused companies, often collaborating with teachers and administrators.

Common Employers
Public and private school districts, charter schools, educational publishers, nonprofit educational organizations, and government education departments.

Career Advancement
Progression into senior curriculum specialist, director of curriculum, academic director, or district-level instructional leadership roles.

Popular Titles


  • • Curriculum Developer • Instructional Coordinator • Curriculum Specialist • Curriculum Designer • Instructional Designer • Academic Program Developer • Director of Curriculum • Education Program Specialist • Learning Development Specialist

    • Curriculum Developer • Instructional Coordinator • Curriculum Specialist • Curriculum Designer • Instructional Designer • Academic Program Developer • Director of Curriculum • Education Program Specialist • Learning Development Specialist

  • • Curriculum Developer • Instructional Coordinator • Curriculum Specialist • Curriculum Designer • Instructional Designer • Academic Program Developer • Director of Curriculum • Education Program Specialist • Learning Development Specialist

    • Curriculum Developer • Instructional Coordinator • Curriculum Specialist • Curriculum Designer • Instructional Designer • Academic Program Developer • Director of Curriculum • Education Program Specialist • Learning Development Specialist

  • • Curriculum Developer • Instructional Coordinator • Curriculum Specialist • Curriculum Designer • Instructional Designer • Academic Program Developer • Director of Curriculum • Education Program Specialist • Learning Development Specialist

    • Curriculum Developer • Instructional Coordinator • Curriculum Specialist • Curriculum Designer • Instructional Designer • Academic Program Developer • Director of Curriculum • Education Program Specialist • Learning Development Specialist

Core Areas of Impact

How your skills translate into meaningful real-world change

Design Effective Learning

Curriculum developers create structured programs that guide classroom instruction.

Design Effective Learning

Curriculum developers create structured programs that guide classroom instruction.

Standardize Academic Quality

You ensure alignment with standards, assessments, and learning goals.

Standardize Academic Quality

You ensure alignment with standards, assessments, and learning goals.

Support Teacher Success

You provide tools and frameworks that strengthen instructional delivery.

Support Teacher Success

You provide tools and frameworks that strengthen instructional delivery.

Is this career right for you?

What is the role of a curriculum developer?
A curriculum developer designs, evaluates, and improves academic programs, ensuring instructional materials align with standards and learning objectives.

What does a typical day look like?
Reviewing standards, analyzing assessment data, developing instructional materials, collaborating with educators, and revising curriculum based on performance outcomes.

Where do curriculum developers work?
They work in school districts, private schools, education companies, publishing firms, and nonprofit educational organizations.

What are the common job titles and career paths?
Common roles include Curriculum Specialist, Instructional Coordinator, and Director of Curriculum, with pathways into district leadership or academic administration.

Who is this career a good fit for?
This career suits experienced educators who are analytical, detail-oriented, collaborative, and interested in systemic educational improvement.

What are the biggest rewards of this career?
Rewards include large-scale educational impact, improved student outcomes, and influence over instructional quality across classrooms.

What does long-term growth look like?
Long-term growth includes leadership roles such as Director of Curriculum, district academic leadership, or executive positions in educational organizations.

What is the educational pathway to become a curriculum developer?

Most curriculum developers begin as licensed teachers and gain classroom experience.

A bachelor’s degree in education or a related field is typically required to enter teaching. Sara Schenirer’s BA in Psychology with Special Education courses provides foundational preparation for classroom instruction and student support.

Curriculum developers typically hold a master’s degree in education, curriculum and instruction, or educational leadership. Sara Schenirer’s Master’s in Education and Special Education strengthens instructional expertise and prepares educators for advanced roles in curriculum planning and academic leadership.

Many schools require teaching experience before moving into curriculum development roles.

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