With the increase of standardized tests as a way to measure that students are following an appropriate lesson plan, schools obviously must shape curriculum so that it covers the test topics completely enough for students to do well. Choice of curriculum is influenced by the content of textbooks, which schools are often not at liberty to pick.

However, in spite of the limitations, schools have some of coverage and instruction; it is important for teachers to choose their curriculum wisely. If you are thinking of entering the teaching or administration professions, or are already a teacher looking to upgrade your skills, perhaps you would benefit from a master's degree in curriculum and instruction. Studies include instructional methods, addressing different learning styles, evaluating a course of study, and using statistical methods to draw conclusions.

If research is your primary interest, or if you'd like to teach at a college level, you'll need a doctorate in this field. People who have obtained Degrees in Curriculum or Instruction may be qualified to work as elementary teachers, instructional coordinators, or post-secondary teachers.

Elementary School Teacher

Elementary school teachers lay the foundation for basic skills that future teachers will develop with more targeted curricula. It can be a rewarding job for those who like to work with children, have seemingly infinite patience, and want a chance to make a positive impact on America's future. In 2002, there were approximately 1.5 million elementary school teachers according to the U.S. Department of Labor. State boards require that teachers have some type of degree in curriculum or instruction, but this law doesn't apply to those working at private schools. Job growth in this field is projected to slow as the children of baby boomers transition into high school and beyond; however, there are always job offerings for qualified educators. Median income for elementary teachers ranged from $39,000 to $44,000 in 2002, but the top ten percent earned an average of $70,000.

Instructional Coordinator

Instructional coordinators, or curriculum specialists, are educational administrators who develop curricula, train teaches, and create learning materials that educators use in classroom settings. They act as educational consultants. In 2002, there were almost 100,000 instructional coordinators, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Job prospects are quite favorable in this specific field, and with increased emphasis on education, there will be an increased need to integrate technology and new techniques into classroom learning. The Department of Labor estimates that this field will grow more quickly than average, and the median salary for instructional coordinators was almost $50,000 in 2002. Having a degree in curriculum or instruction is very advantageous-sometimes required.

Postsecondary Teachers

Postsecondary teachers may instruct students in many different academic and career-oriented subjects; these teachers are employed in colleges and universities, career and technical schools, and sometimes in graduate programs. The job is extremely rewarding, and includes a lot of room for personal growth and education expansion. You must be ready to: design and teach classes, demonstrate technical tasks and laboratory experiments, grade papers, conduct research and publish papers, and attend lots of meetings. This is a great job for someone who loves to work on their own with out supervision, and someone who likes to work with people, and multi-task.

For more information on a Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, or for related programs, visit the US Bureau of Labor, www.bls.gov, or iSeek.org, www.iseek.org.