Welcome to the Education: Instruction & Curriculum Career Community!
Here you will find career-related information, resources, and events to help you embrace your career and academic journey. With a Master’s of Education (MEd.) in Curriculum and Instruction from SNHU, you can pursue a variety of careers in various fields.
Click the buttons or scroll down to learn more:
Start Here: What Can I Do With My Degree?
Educators with a focus in curriculum and instruction can provide lessons and feedback to students, or work in other fields like instructional design, training and development, or educational administration.
Note: if your goal is to become a licensed teacher, it is important to confirm the requirements for your state. You can explore teaching requirements here: Teaching Certification Requirements by State (scroll down and select the state where you want to teach).
There are 800+ specific job titles on O*Net that include knowledge of education and training as requirements of the job, so there are truly hundreds, if not thousands of jobs that might benefit from a curriculum and instruction skill-set.
Here are a couple of examples to explore:
- Instructional Coordinator
Assists with the development and deployment of instructional materials, resources, curriculum, etc. May also train others or offer guidance on the process of designing educational materials and courses. - Training Development Specialists or Training Development Managers
Designs and conducts work related to training and development in businesses, corporations, and organizations. Manages others who design, develop, and facilitate training and professional development programs. - Academic Advisors, Career Advisors, Educational Support Roles
Advise and assist students with various needs including academic support, career services, or other coaching or support. - Education Administrators
Plans, coordinates, and manages various administrative tasks surrounding the educational activities of students, faculty, and staff. - Teacher (Search for subject areas on O*Net)
Plans, develops, and implements educational activities for students in specific educational environments. Teacher certification requirements vary by state, be sure to check your local requirements for becoming a licensed teacher: Teaching Certification Requirements by State
Start Your Career Search
- To use your state’s Department of Education (DOE) website, first locate the correct site and then follow general navigation steps:
- Use a search engine: Enter “California Department of Education” or “Texas Health and Human Services” into a search engine. The official website will be a .gov domain.
- The federal government’s official site, USA.gov, provides a directory for contacting state health and education departments.
- Once on the DOE website, look for common information sections such as “For Families,” “For Educators,” or “Programs and Services”.
- The website’s “Licensing” or “Professional Development” section will have information about teaching credentials, application procedures, and verification tools. (Example: Indiana Department of Education)
- If you need licensing assistance, most DOE state sites will have a number, submission form, or email address for you to contact.
- Find specific requirements for your path: The site will have information on the requirements for new teachers, out-of-state applicants, and other specific situations.
- Check for alternative routes: Search for information on alternative licensure or transition programs if you don’t have a traditional education degree.
- Find lists of approved programs: The DOE website should have a list of approved teacher preparation programs for the state where you wish to teach.
Review the recently published “Guide on Teacher Workforce Credentialing: A Look Into the Initial License Requirements, Diverse Pathways Into the Teaching Profession, and Reciprocity Policies”. This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at teacher licensure requirements across all 50 states and Washington, DC. It explores various alternative pathways into the teaching profession, including Grow Your Own programs, teacher residency initiatives, and registered apprenticeship programs.
To find information on how to teach in your state, you should consult your state’s Department of Education website or Teacher Certification Requirements by State (scroll down to choose your state from the list).
Steps For Educators:
- Determine your eligibility: What is your highest level of education? Do you already have a bachelor’s or masters degree? Are you looking to change careers? This will help you narrow down the available pathways.
- A four-year degree is the standard foundation for all public school teachers in the U.S.. In many cases, it is advantageous to major in the subject you wish to teach, especially for middle and high school positions.
- Choose your teaching area: Which grade level and subject do you want to teach (e.g., elementary, high school English, special education)?
- Locate the requirements for your target grade level and subject: Certification requirements for elementary (K–6), secondary (5–12), special education, or specific subjects like science or art will differ.
- Check state-specific requirements for licensing: Licensure rules vary by state, so it’s essential to research the requirements for the state where you plan to teach:
- Fulfill student teaching requirements: This often mandatory, hands-on experience in a classroom under the supervision of an experienced teacher allows you to apply pedagogical theories in a real-world setting.
- Pass required exams: Most states require passing a series of standardized tests, such as the Praxis exams, to assess knowledge of teaching skills and specific subject areas
Handshake Employer Collection: Educators & Higher Education
Handshake is SNHU’s job board for online learners and alumni! We’ve collected a list of top employers targeting talented Education professionals like you. Browse and use these lists to discover companies and explore job opportunities.
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Explore Careers By Major
What Can I Do With This Major? features 100 major profiles with information on common jobs and career paths, types of employers that hire in the field, and strategies to maximize opportunities. Scroll to the bottom of each profile for links to professional associations, occupational outlook information, and job search resources.
