Education is the foundation for all other career pathways. Regardless of the industry or innovation, every successful professional has been influenced by an inspirational teacher, which is why the field of education must remain flexible to meet the needs of the 21st-century workforce.
When you earn a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction (C&I), you’re lending your voice and expertise to the ever-changing educational world. The rise of digital learning and the use of tech-driven classrooms has created a demand for curriculum specialists to challenge a new generation of learners. Discover how programs like the online Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) – Teacher as Leader in C&I program from Northern Kentucky University (NKU) can equip you to become a classroom leader and a trailblazer in your profession.
What Is a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction?
A master’s in curriculum and instruction program focuses on both the content and methods of educating students in efficient and engaging ways. Teachers who earn a degree like the M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – C&I online at NKU enhance their expertise in class management and lesson planning by exploring curriculum trends, including the integration of technology in the classroom and the impact of generative AI on curriculum and instruction.
Ideal candidates for a degree in curriculum and instruction are credentialed teachers with several years of experience in the classroom and who are familiar with various research methodologies. NKU’s flexible M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – C&I online program enables teachers to complete their coursework while working in their existing classroom jobs. It applies teachers’ existing knowledge to the best practices of curriculum development and implementation, elevating their understanding and practice of in-class instruction.
Other candidates for this degree may include teachers looking to transition into specialized roles outside the classroom, such as curriculum developers and campus instruction coaches. Professionals planning to work in training and development in other industries will also find the coursework relevant and helpful as they learn to educate others.
What Skills Will You Gain in a Curriculum and Instruction Program?
Teachers will learn a variety of technical skills in a curriculum and instruction program that they can implement in the classroom to motivate students of all backgrounds and interest levels. These skills may include:
- Curriculum design, including backwards mapping and benchmarks
- Formative and summative assessment
- Educational theory and current education policy
- State-of-the-art teaching practices, including flipped classrooms, skill differentiation and experience-based learning
- The importance of cultural context in affective filters
- Assessment analysis and data-driven instruction
- Proficiency with educational technology
- Knowledge of educational psychology and teaching styles
Additionally, graduates of a curriculum and instruction degree program will hone and develop interpersonal skills, including:
- Collaboration with cohorts and colleagues
- Communication with students, parents and other stakeholders
- Flexibility to adapt the curriculum based on student needs
- Conflict resolution
- Emotional intelligence to connect with students
- Leadership and classroom management skills
Career Opportunities and Job Outlook With a C&I Degree
The roles for teachers with a master’s degree go beyond classroom teaching, though educators with an M.A.Ed. in C&I play a crucial role in innovating their departments and inspiring their students every day. Graduates of a program in curriculum and instruction may pursue roles such as postsecondary teachers or curriculum designers. Certain positions, such as directors of curriculum and instruction in school districts, campus instructional coaches and instructional coordinators, require Principal certification or Supervisor of Instruction certification, which are offered in other degree programs.
Salaries for these educational roles tend to be higher than the median salary for most teachers in 2024 (between $62,310 for kindergarten and elementary teachers and $64,580 for high school teachers). For example, postsecondary teachers earned a median salary of $83,980. Training and development managers earned $127,090, around twice the salary of a classroom teacher, depending on the region and industry.
Earning a master’s degree provides a significant salary advantage for teachers in Kentucky. Specifically, the M.A.Ed. in C&I allows educators to advance to Rank II, resulting in a pay increase on the salary schedule. By earning an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) online degree, educators can pursue further advancement to Rank I, as well as an additional salary increase.
Why Should You Pursue an Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction?
An online master’s degree in curriculum and instruction equips educational professionals to design and implement lessons and assessments. These vital skills grant you versatility within your career or industry, and the teacher leadership focus of NKU’s degree allow you to step into leadership roles and improve your teaching practice.
The growing demand for digital and remote learning solutions also makes an M.A.Ed. in C&I a valuable degree for teachers interested in educational innovation. Whether it’s an individualized, self-paced curriculum or an instruction model that differentiates for multiple learning styles, the skills you learn in this degree program make you a desirable candidate for any job in schools or educational companies.
Inside NKU’s Online Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction Program
NKU’s M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – C&I online degree enables you to pursue coursework alongside your regular duties as a classroom teacher or professional in your field. Flexible and affordable, this master’s degree program focuses on the intricacies of curriculum development and innovating instruction, offering rigorous coursework and a knowledgeable teaching faculty.
Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the NKU College of Education ensures that its graduates are prepared to face and evolve with the current educational landscape. With multiple start dates, a manageable schedule and pay-by-the-course tuition, you’ll find that the M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – C&I online degree may be the next natural professional step in your career.
Make a Greater Impact in the Classroom and Beyond
When you graduate from NKU’s online C&I program, you’ll enjoy a new career and salary potential in your current job. You’ll also find it easy to pivot to a new role or elevate into a leadership position, allowing your teaching skills to positively impact far more students than the ones sitting in front of you.
NKU’s online M.A.Ed. Teacher as Leader – C&I program is a practical, affordable pathway for educators seeking leadership and advancement in their careers. For more details about this program and improving your teaching practice, contact a student engagement specialist or apply today.
