Today’s teachers are being asked to build and deliver technology-driven classrooms, utilize student data in new ways, and communicate with both students and parents online. According to Education Week, public schools in the U.S. now provide at least one computer for every five students, and are spending more than $3 billion per year on digital content.
Education is evolving, which means there will be new and expanded career opportunities in K-12 settings as technology is incorporated in classrooms, schools, and districts.
Here are five fast growing non-teaching support positions in technology.
1.Technology Facilitator
There are two important aspects of a technology facilitator’s role: understanding what goes on in a typical classroom setting and being knowledgeable about instructional technology training resources.
Technology facilitators must be experienced educators first, and have a pulse on the classroom from a teacher’s perspective. Lesson plan development, assessment strategies, and classroom management are all a part of this role.
Second, technology facilitators must be able to develop curricula and train teachers to incorporate technology effectively in the classroom.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Collaborate with teachers to plan for, develop, and implement technology-rich curricula and lesson plans.
- Implement educational technology best practices based on research, pilot programs, and state/national standards.
- Facilitate faculty and student participation in technology programs and activities.
Degree program to prepare you: MS in General Educational Technology
2. Educational Technology Specialist
EdTech specialists (ETSs) work in elementary, middle, or secondary schools, and play a role in determining the best educational technology resources for their facility.
ETSs are expected to partner with teachers and administrators to design curricula and discover and recommend new technologies to be used in all types of classroom instruction. Individuals interested in this role should be able to demonstrate knowledge in technology concepts and tools, and have the ability to research and determine which technologies will be the best fit within their facilities.
A background in coding may be helpful for an ETS, as many schools look for candidates who can develop video resources or website modules in order to support classroom activities.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Assist school administrators in identifying and correcting problems and deficiencies within their current technology-based programs.
- Train teachers and other instructional staff on new technologies.
- Identify, design, and effectively incorporate plans and programs into the learning environment.
Degree program to prepare you: MS in Professional Growth and Development
3. Instructional Technology Coach
Instructional coaches are on-site professional developers who educate teachers on how to use proven instructional technology methods. Typically individuals in this role will meet with teachers one-on-one to identify classroom needs and determine how to effectively use technology resources as solutions.
Instructional coaches can be instrumental in developing the skills of teachers and supporting positive digital change in an educational facility.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Observe teachers and classrooms to determine progress and recommend interventions.
- Collaborate with teachers to identify solutions for pressing needs within a classroom.
- Create lesson plans and instructional methods that are easy for teachers to use successfully.
Degree program to prepare you: MS in Personalized Learning
4. Director of Curriculum and Technology
A technology and curriculum director works with staff and administrators to improve the quality of education within a school or district. They ensure that the curriculum is meeting state and industry requirements, determine which technology resources should be used in their systems, and make sure that students are performing well. They may also work with and train classroom teachers on new technologies and teaching methods.
According to EdSurge, curriculum directors must have strong lesson planning or long-term academic planning expertise and experience in a particular subject, as well as leadership management skills.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Work collaboratively with the superintendent and administrators to develop and implement standards-based curriculum.
- Conduct site visits to schools and classrooms to assess implementation of current or new curricula and the quality of instruction.
- Manage budgets across curriculum, instruction, and assessments within schools.
Degree program to prepare you: MS in Competency-Based Instruction
5. Instructional Technology Director
An instructional technology director is responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of instructional and information technology within a school. These duties support efforts to achieve the facility and district goals for student achievement.
An individual in this role will determine the software, security measures, and infrastructure necessary to enhance teaching and learning throughout the academic program.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Provide leadership in the development of educational strategies for the integration of technology into educational environments.
- Identify, evaluate, and integrate effective educational innovations into the curricula.
- Work collaboratively with faculty to provide training on instructional methods that incorporate technology.
Degree program to prepare you: EdD in Digital Transformation
Education Requirements and Compensation Expectations
Teachers looking to explore technology-related positions outside the classroom may be required to have a degree in education with a focus on technology, a thorough knowledge of education innovation and technology, expertise to build student-centered classrooms, and skills to develop strong professional learning networks.
While it may be a little difficult to differentiate these and other EdTech careers, EdSurge guides to careers in an EdTech world and working in EdTech contain helpful advice for teachers exploring new and expanding opportunities.
These positions often have additional compensation or status benefits to advance further into leadership or administration.
Learn more about Capella University’s education innovation and technology programs and free professional development courses focused on digital teaching and learning.
See graduation rates, median student debt, and other information at Capella Results.
