Education Consultant Career and Salary Information

Learnopedia
Posted by Learnopedia November 21, 2021
Education Consultant Career and Salary Information
training, knowledge, development @ Pixabay

Our society is becoming more complex and schools must adapt to meet the needs of 21st-century students. Education consultants can advise families, teachers, school administrators, school boards, government officials, and other stakeholders on the best educational technologies and techniques used in schools across the country. For those who are passionate about improving educational practices, education consulting can be a rewarding career.

Education consultants at a glance

Education consultants make a significant difference in the delivery and reception of education. Education consultants are a driving force in improving educational opportunities and classrooms. They have a significant impact on the academic lives of students all over the country.

Education consultant job description

Education consultants are often people with administrative or teaching experience who serve as advisors in all aspects of education. They advise and train members of the education community about new technologies, classroom policies and student achievement.

These are some of the most common duties:

  • Assist parents, teachers, school administrators, school boards and government officials as a consultant
  • Evaluate education standards and classroom policies as well as grades, test scores and grades
  • Implement changes to the curriculum based upon data
  • Students are asked to survey their opinions on changing programs and curriculum.
  • Assessment of the effectiveness and efficiency of current academic systems
  • Develop strategies to improve education quality and implement new policies
  • Create new programs for teacher training and host workshops
  • Recommend other educational materials
  • Use new technologies to guide and implement their use
  • Assist with correlating systems to increase student drop-out rates
  • Assist with academic intervention programs
  • Supervise online education
  • Manage charter school operations
  • Students can be matched to the right learning environment, such as special education programs.
  • Guide college selection and application
  • Talk to teachers and administrators about budgets and programs.

Education consultants can work independently or in conjunction with a firm that specializes in education consulting.

Although educational consultants can provide general advice on education practices, most succeed by focusing on one area of expertise.

Education consultants for schools and postsecondary institutions

Education consultants are hired by schools and institutions of higher education to evaluate how students learn and suggest improvements to policies and programs. Education consultants can also be hired to analyze a particular problem and create a customized solution.

These positions require consultants to overhaul policies, programs, and priorities. They can help with faculty training and advise board members and administrators on turnaround projects. Education consultants can help with managing charter schools and their educational policies.

Education consultants for students and their families

As an independent consultant, some education consultants work with families one-on-one. The consultant must tailor solutions to each student’s needs. These consultants often work only with athletes, at-risk students, and international students.

They will match the child with the best learning environment, including remedial or special education services, as well as public or private schools, private schools, and boarding schools. They will help students and their families with the college selection process.

Consultants in education for product-driven companies or government agencies

The third type of consultant is for educational technology companies, textbook publishers, and learning companies. These consultants are focused on creating great educational products for students, teachers, schools, and other stakeholders that will improve student achievement.

Education consultants who work for the government often collect and evaluate information to help their superiors. They can evaluate resources and recommend alternative sources of funding.

Who is a good education consultant.

Someone who is:

  • Highly analytical and skilled in decision-making
  • Attention to detail and organization
  • Service orientation
  • Excellent at organizing and planning
  • Empathetic and social: Able to solve problems and communicate with students, teachers and school officials
  • Expert in problem identification and brainstorming possible solutions
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • You are comfortable working with others in a team and independently
  • Ability to meet deadlines
  • Are you interested in working and traveling in diverse environments?
  • Qualifications: A degree in education leadership or curriculum and instruction is required

In-depth education consultants

Education and certification requirements of education consultants

  • Education: Master’s Degree, PhD, EdD or JD
  • The average study time is 6-10 years

While you might be able build a career with no master’s, education consultants who have a master’s degree in a relevant area are more likely to be promoted and receive a higher salary.

Employers are looking for education consultants who have an advanced degree in the field of curriculum and instruction. A master’s degree is required by many school districts along with a valid teaching certification.

Many of the highest-paid consultants have many years of experience as administrators or teachers. No matter your experience level, it is important to get as much knowledge as possible about the subject you are advising.

Schools often seek out education consultants who are experts in specific areas like:

  • English/mathematics education
  • Curriculum design
  • Audio/visual education
  • Emerging technology
  • Blended learning
  • Test

Certificate

To increase their exposure to potential clients, independent educational consultants often register with organizations such as the Independent Educational Consultants Association or American Institute for Certified Educational Planners.

An accredited university must have a master’s degree, at least three years experience in admissions or educational placement counseling, and on-campus evaluations. The IECA also requires professional references from its members.

American Institute for Certified Educational Planners will require an application, a master’s level, and a demonstration of high ethical standards through reference and an assessment interview.

Education consultants can earn a range of salaries

The salary ranges of education consultants will vary depending on whether they are employed as independent consultants or employees within an educational consulting institution. Salary ranges are also determined by factors such as experience, state, specialization, or expertise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of an education consultant is $64,450. The lowest 10% earn less than $36,360, while the highest 10% earn more than $102,200.

ZipRecruiter.com reports that the average salary for education consultants varies by state, from $46,494 up to $65,562.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics states that there is a variation in the salary scale depending on whether or not an institution of employment was established.

  • Government: $76,970
  • Schools: Local, State, and Private: $69,900
  • Postsecondary schools: $58,420
  • Private organizations and educational support: $62,530

Here’s a snapshot of the average salary for education consultants:

  • Payscale.com: $64,852
  • O Net Online: $64,450
  • Indeed.com: $59,336
  • Glassdoor.com: $63,133
  • ZipRecruiter.com: $59,911

Education consultant employment projections

The demand for passionate, motivated education consultants is growing in an increasingly competitive sector. According to the BLS, there will be a 6% increase in education consulting jobs between 2018 and 2028. The state and local budgets will play a major role in growth. School districts and postsecondary institutions are still responsible for student achievement, test scores, graduation rates and data. Education consultation will be needed as schools look to expand their curriculum and technology training.

There are advantages and disadvantages

Pros:

  • Never stop learning and applying new ideas to your education.
  • There are many opportunities for rapid advancement
  • Create a strong network
  • Flexibility and control
  • Expert or specialist status

Cons:

  • There may not be a job immediately after completing a project.
  • Long hours
  • Travel
  • For career advancement, self-reliance is key

For more information about working in an education consulting company, see “What Are the Benefits of Working for An Educational Consulting Firm?”

Professional development for education consultants

Continuing education

Education consultants are considered experts in their field. They are hired to provide guidance and advice in schools that are struggling or not performing well. Professional development is essential for being successful in your job. There are many opportunities and programs online.

Associations for Professionals

Best of the Web

It’s easy to find prominent education consultants via the internet. These are some of our favourite resources.

Favorite education consultant blogs

Twitter and Instagram: Favorite Education Consultant