Education consultants are professionals who advise educators, parents, and schools on teaching styles and educational strategies that can improve student learning. They review how teachers and districts carry out their educational processes, and then make suggestions on better ways to accomplish those tasks. They can also create long-term strategic plans to alter a district's course or modify curriculum standards. Most employers seek to hire educational consultants with an advanced degree in a field such as curriculum and instruction.
From finding the right college to financial aid planning and the application process, education consultants help students and their parents prepare for the academic path ahead. A third type of educational consultant works on projects for textbook publishers, learning companies and educational technology companies. Most employers require a bachelor's degree in education, but some companies may prefer that you also have a master's degree. As your career progresses, you can work in other education-related roles, such as administrative positions or as a counselor.
Other educational consultants work with administrators or special education teachers addressing specific topics in their field. According to PayScale, educational consultants' responsibilities include administering career-related exams, providing professional advice, and helping students complete forms and applications when applying to colleges or universities. As an education consultant, you can help make that happen by advising teachers, families, school administration, school boards, and government officials on the best educational techniques and technologies used in classrooms across the country. Following this career can allow you to create positive change in education without having to work directly in the classroom.
Consider exploring additional professional development options, such as informal workshops through museums or schools, to complement your required courses. Education consultants work with families, schools and a variety of organizations to determine how to best serve the needs of students and make positive changes in the education system. However, in the real world, impostors and consultants who go through the night without proper credentials don't last long. And never let go of the fun and easy events organized by local museums and other informal education centers. These consultants will also work only with students who want to come to the specific university they work at, rather than helping students find universities.
