In current global society, technology and education have become synonymous with each other. Today’s students are learning at a faster pace than ever before, and educators must be ever learning and educating themselves to stay up-to-date. District technology departments have become larger and more essential to the everyday campus operations and mission statements.
Instructional Technology Coaches are based more and more at individual campuses to help gather information not only from the district level but also from the inner workings at the campus level. Educators who have had success in the classroom and who are innovative and passionate about technology may find that the position of Instructional Technology Coach fits them perfectly.
Instructional Technology Coaches are considered Master Teachers usually—as such, they are often expected to hold master’s degrees. A master’s degree in digital learning and leading offers a strong learning platform for any educator, especially those specializing in technology. As an Instructional Technology Coach, an educator will teach more than ever before and with a different base of students. Just like accommodating diverse classrooms, Coaching requires adaptation to many learning styles.
Job duties of an Instructional Technology Coach
An Instructional Technology Coach will have the opportunity to meet a number of challenges on campus. Building relationships with your teachers and staff will be critical to your success. Once teachers feel comfortable with you in their classrooms, they will start to trust you and ask for help with a broader range of issues. A Coach will commonly provide support in the classroom, helping teachers integrate technology into their lessons and unit plans. Social media has become such a large part of our society, so typically the Coach will handle social media campaigns on campus as well as guiding teachers and students in proper digital citizenship.
Earning a master’s degree in education, such as an M.Ed. in Digital Learning and Leading, is a solid first step for seasoned teachers looking to expand their careers. Opportunities such as Instructional Technology Coaching will present themselves, and teachers with advanced degrees can fill these roles and become leaders for their campuses and districts. A strong Instructional Technology Coach will be a Master Teacher who is passionate about education, innovative in the classroom and willing to learn new things every single day.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online M.Ed. in Digital Learning and Leading program.
Sources:
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/instructional-coach-job-consider-elena-aguilar
http://www.techsavvyed.net/archives/3702
