Are You A Teacher Considering Curricular Work? Do It!

Here’s a little background on me: As a college freshman, I initially majored in astrophysics. (It was a different time in my life when science played a much larger role.) When offered a work study sophomore year to tutor at an after school care center, I took the role without real consideration. I immediately fell in love with the job, and shifted my path. An opportunity to intern at a groundbreaking charter school solidified my career as an educator. Seven years later, I decided to work toward a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. This degree gave me the confidence to move from the classroom and effect change on a larger scale.

When teachers harness their wealth of knowledge and experience in the classroom, they have the opportunity to revolutionize the learning experience. However, curricular work affords a larger reach because curriculum is the foundation for all learning experiences. You’re reading this because you’re interested in this reach. Let’s talk about what opportunities you have to transition into curricular work.

You have to think about what your method will be when it comes to writing curricular materials. Do you need a background in the content for which you want to write? If so, you may want to pursue work in academic curriculum, where you can function as a subject matter expert. If you are able to apply your method to a variety of content, your possibilities may be wider simply because you can work in more fields of content creation.

Along the same lines, you can’t shift into this field without confidence in your method. Watch some videos about working as an instructional designer, curricular designer, and other related roles, and read some blogs. Aside from learning more about the field, you also get some information about how other people prepped to become curricular writers. There are many training resources available for little to no cost online that can help jumpstart your moves. You’re a skilled worker with experience adapting your own curricular materials, but anyone who wants to succeed in a new field needs professional training.

Just like our students, once we learn a new subject, we need to practice! Adapt your current materials into curricular content like what you want to do in your job, then structure it into a portfolio of material to display your skills. If you’re struggling with this, look at example portfolios online. A quick search can show so much! I definitely hyped up what a portfolio should look like but it really helped to see what others utilize for their displays.

A big note about this: Your portfolio shouldn’t contain what you see in other people’s collections. You want your portfolio to display what your vision, your talent, and your voice. No one else will have the same style as you, and trying to adapt away from your voice sells your potential short!

Then all your hard work is done. Kidding! Now comes one of the hard parts - figuring out where you want to seek work. I’m currently trying to transition into corporate curricular work and training, so I’m on that path. Your path will be specific to you because the options are so variable. No matter the goal, you have the chance to move forward here. Give it your all and you’ll have incredible success!