Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Instructional Coordinator
What instructional coordinators actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Review district reading data with the leadership team. From there, the day usually includes develop and revise curriculum, select instructional materials and technology, and coach and mentor teachers. Most work full-time year-round, sometimes with summer professional development.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an instructional coordinator working full time.
- Review district reading data with the leadership team.
- Observe a teacher’s lesson and take notes.
- Coach the teacher on small-group instruction.
- Plan a professional development workshop.
- Review new math curriculum options.
- Lead a teacher workshop.
- Write a program evaluation report.
Where instructional coordinators work
Coordinators work in school district offices and schools, visiting classrooms and leading meetings.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time year-round, sometimes with summer professional development.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Develop and revise curriculum
- Select instructional materials and technology
- Coach and mentor teachers
- Lead professional development
- Analyze student achievement data
- Evaluate programs
- Align instruction to standards
Tools you’ll use every day
- Curriculum platforms
- Data dashboards
- Learning management systems
- Presentation software
- Observation tools
- E-learning authoring tools
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Improve learning for many students
- Leadership without being a principal
- Year-round role
- Variety of projects
What’s hard
- Requires a master’s and experience
- Implementing change is hard
- Lots of meetings
- Budget constraints
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I loved teaching and want bigger impact
- I like data
- I enjoy coaching adults
- I like designing curriculum
- I can lead change
- I have a master’s or plan to earn one
Not sure? Take the free Instructional Coordinator fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Protect student data privacy
- Follow school visit procedures
- Support teacher well-being
- Follow district policies