What does an Instructional Specialist do?

An instructional specialist is a professional who designs and implements educational programs for students in a variety of settings. Instructional specialists may work in elementary, middle, or high schools, as well as in postsecondary institutions or in private companies that provide educational services. They may also work with government agencies or nonprofit organizations that are involved in education.

Instructional Specialist job duties include:

• Plan, prepare and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active learning experiences
• Develop and use appropriate teaching materials and aids to support student learning
• Observe and evaluate student's performance and development
• Assist in identifying student's strengths and weaknesses
• Develop instructional material, including outlines, text books, handouts, visual aids, computer-based materials and activities
• Select and requisition books, equipment and other instructional materials
• Operate audio-visual equipment to present instructional materials
• Prepare lesson plans that are aligned with state/national standards
• Attend professional development workshops to keep abreast of latest trends in education

Instructional Specialist Job Requirements

An Instructional Specialist is an educational professional who designs and delivers instructional materials and programs. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, universities, businesses, and government agencies. Instructional Specialists typically have a master's degree in education or a related field, and many states require them to be certified teachers. They must have knowledge of instructional design principles and effective teaching practices, as well as experience working with students or adult learners.

Instructional Specialist Skills

• Instructional design
• Curriculum development
• Adult learning principles
• ELearning platforms
• Instructional technology
• Multimedia production
• Project management
• Needs assessment
• Analysis
• Evaluation
• Research

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How to become an Instructional Specialist

An instructional specialist is a professional who designs, implements, and evaluates instructional materials and programs. They work with educators to improve student learning by providing expertise in the areas of curriculum development, instructional design, and assessment. To become an instructional specialist, one must have a deep understanding of how people learn and be able to apply that knowledge to the design of effective instructional materials and programs.

There are a few different paths one can take to become an instructional specialist. Many instructional specialists have a background in education, with a master’s or doctorate degree in education with a focus on instructional design or educational technology. Others come from a background in human resources, training, or organizational development and have experience designing and delivering training programs. Regardless of one’s background, there are a few essential skills that all instructional specialists need.

First, instructional specialists need to be excellent communicators. They need to be able to clearly articulate their ideas to both educators and non-educators alike. They also need to be able to listen carefully to understand the needs of their clients and customers.

Second, instructional specialists need to have strong project management skills. They need to be able to juggle multiple projects at once and keep track of deadlines and deliverables.

Third, instructional specialists need to be creative problem-solvers. They often work with educators who are struggling with some aspect of their job, such as designing an effective lesson plan or using technology in the classroom. As such, they need to be able to quickly identify problems and develop creative solutions that will help their clients overcome these challenges.

Fourth, instructional specialists need to have strong writing skills. A large part of their job is creating written materials such as guides, manuals, and online resources. These materials need to be clear, concise, and easy for educators to use.

Finally, instructional specialists need to be lifelong learners themselves. They need to stay up-to-date on new trends in education and instructional design so that they can provide their clients with the most current information and resources available.

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