Supervisor and Instructional Coordinator

Working Schedule

Supervisors and Instructional Coordinators generally work full-time, Monday–Friday. They spend much of their time in schools, attending teacher training, observing classrooms, and meeting with administrators. Some evening or weekend hours may be required for professional development workshops, school board presentations, or conferences.

Typical Duties

• Review and select instructional materials and resources
• Train teachers in new methods, technology, or curriculum standards
• Observe classroom instruction and provide feedback
• Write reports on student achievement and program effectiveness
• Work with school boards and principals on policy and curriculum alignment
• Develop standardized assessments and analyze results
• Lead workshops and professional development sessions

Additional Responsibilities

• Assign and directly supervise work of full-time employees; manage leave requests and conduct performance evaluations
• Develop curricula, select textbooks and materials, and coordinate educational content
• Train teachers and assess educational programs for quality and compliance with standards
• Incorporate current technology and instructional tools into programs and classrooms
• Provide career coaching and arrange for professional development and outside training
• Make timely, well-informed decisions and communicate effectively with staff and stakeholders
• Monitor implementation of curricula and teaching methods; evaluate teacher performance
• Support shared accountability by collaborating across 
  departments and providing technical assistance
• Research and recommend educational software, technologies, and resources
• Facilitate ongoing teacher education and workshops on instructional best practices
• Evaluate student performance data to improve instructional methods and materials
• Ensure curriculum meets accreditation or state education requirements
• Develop specialized curriculum for diverse learners, including English learners and students with disabilities

An Instructional Coordinator may start the day by observing a math class to see how a new teaching strategy is working. Midday could be spent leading a training session for teachers on literacy instruction. In the afternoon, they might meet with school leaders to discuss curriculum updates, followed by analyzing student test data. By evening, they could be preparing a presentation for the school board on instructional progress.

Soft Skills

• Leadership and mentoring
• Clear communication
• Active listening
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability
• Collaboration with teachers, principals, and school boards
• Strong organizational
• Time management skills

Technical Skills

• Data analysis and educational research methods
• Knowledge of curriculum design and state standards
• Familiarity with instructional technology tools
• Assessment development and interpretation
• Training, coaching, and adult learning strategies

• Curriculum Specialist – Focuses on developing and aligning curriculum with standards
• Instructional Coach – Works directly with teachers to improve classroom practice
• Assessment Coordinator – Designs and evaluates student tests and achievement data
• District Curriculum Director – Oversees curriculum across multiple schools in a district
• Education Program Supervisor – Manages state or federal education programs

• Public and private school districts
• State departments of education
• Colleges and universities
• Nonprofit education organizations
• Curriculum publishing companies
• Educational consulting firms

Instructional Coordinators must balance the needs of students, teachers, and administrators while navigating state and federal regulations. The job requires keeping up with constant changes in education policy, curriculum standards, and teaching methods. Coordinators often face pressure to improve student test scores, which can be stressful. However, the role is highly rewarding for those who enjoy leadership, problem-solving, and supporting educators.

• Increased use of technology and digital learning platforms
• Stronger focus on culturally responsive teaching and equity in education
• Expansion of STEM and career/technical pathways
• Emphasis on data-driven instruction and accountability
• Growth of personalized learning and competency-based education
• Rising importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) in the curriculum

Supervisors and Instructional Coordinators are often drawn to learning, teaching, and improving systems. As children, they may have enjoyed helping classmates understand lessons, tutoring siblings, or organizing study groups. They often found satisfaction in guiding others and making things clearer or more efficient.

With strong organizational skills, they might have enjoyed creating charts, checklists, or schedules to keep track of projects. Many liked reading nonfiction or reference materials, not just for fun, but to gather useful knowledge they could apply or share with others. They may also have been involved in leadership activities such as student council, mentoring younger students, or running a club.

Because they value communication and collaboration, it’s likely they enjoyed courses that encouraged problem-solving and teamwork, such as debate, public speaking, or even group science projects. Their natural curiosity and interest in “how learning works” may have led them to experiment with different ways of studying or teaching others.