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Educational Technology Specialist Career Guide

Educational technology specialists, also known as instructional technology specialists or EdTech specialists, collaborate with teachers and school administration to facilitate the use of technology in classrooms and the school as a whole. This guide provides further information on what educational technology specialists do, how to become one, and their salary and job outlook.

Table of Contents

How to Become an Educational Technology Specialist

Qualifying for a job as an instructional technology specialist typically requires a minimum of a master’s degree, preferably in educational technology or a related subject. Many schools also look for certification in instructional technology or industry-related IT certifications. Depending on the employer and job scope, a teaching certificate may also be a requirement. In states that offer educational technology certification or endorsement, such as Texas, New York, and Georgia, the EdTech program completed should hold approval from the state board of education. Typically, the steps to become an educational technology specialist at a public school are:

  1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in educational technology, education, or another related subject.
  2. Complete a school-based internship.
  3. Take your state’s tests for teacher certification and become licensed, if required.
  4. Earn a master’s, specialist, or doctoral degree in educational technology, instructional technology, or a related degree such as curriculum and instruction.
  5. Take your state’s licensing exam for educational/instructional technology and get an endorsement, if necessary.
  6. Apply to educational technology specialist positions.

Coursework in curriculum assessment and development, classroom learning support/development, data research/interpretation, and leadership development will form the core of most educational technology programs. Through courses such as these as well as supplemental training, prospective educational technology professionals will learn how to source and implement emerging classroom technologies across different media.

Educational Technology Specialist Job Description

Educational technology specialists (ETS) or instructional technology specialists often work in elementary, middle, and secondary schools (private or public), colleges or universities, government agencies, or in corporations and non-profits. They play a key role in identifying appropriate educational technology for all types of classroom applications. EdTech specialists frequently collaborate with educators and administrators in curriculum design by sourcing or creating new technologies to be used in classroom instruction. Using past program data and outcomes, they assist school administrators in identifying and correcting problems and deficiencies within current technology-based programs. Educational technology specialists frequently train teachers and others on using hardware and software in the teaching process.

Instructional technology specialists also implement and maintain computer networks as well as technology-based learning hardware and applications. An important aspect of an EdTech specialist’s job in a school setting is to foster both appreciation for and understanding of how technology can impact learning and in turn, each student’s future.

Requirements, Skills, and Common Tasks

Educational technology specialists may be certified teachers and/or hold an endorsement in educational technology or administration, and commonly have one of the following degrees:

An instructional technology specialist should be technologically savvy, organized, and possess excellent communication skills. These specialists should also have strong problem-solving, research, and planning skills. Some schools prefer instructional technology specialists to have programming or coding experience. Prior teaching experience is also helpful for EdTech specialists to build their understanding of classroom management and how technologies are used in a classroom setting. While not a requirement in all school districts, many schools look for ETS candidates who can write software or website modules to support classroom activities, so courses or certifications in software coding can also be helpful for this career.

Knowledge of technology including computer-based training software, web page creation and development software, and photo and video creation and editing software will be helpful for prospective instructional technology specialists. ETS candidates should be able to instruct both teaching staff and students in the use of technology-based learning tools. They may also work with teachers to enhance and update class curricula. In addition, ETSs assist teachers and students with technology and apps during student assessments. Part of an educational technology specialist’s job may be in technical support, such as troubleshooting and maintaining computer hardware and software. Some ETS professionals may also be involved in budget planning for their school or district.

Possible Job Titles for This Career

  • Educational technology specialist
  • Instructional technology specialist
  • Instructional coordinator
  • Instructional technologist
  • Education design specialist
  • Learning development specialist

Educational Technology Specialist Salary and Job Outlook

The work that educational technology specialists do is similar to that of instructional coordinators, who made a median annual salary of $66,490 as of 2022 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1 The job outlook for instructional coordinators is bright, with a job growth rate of 7% projected through 2031, which is about the same as the average for all jobs.2 ETS candidates can find career opportunities in elementary, middle, and secondary schools as well as in universities and in private and government organizations that offer classroom-based training. Licensed teachers are often ideal candidates and can advance their careers by completing an educational technology specialist program.

Additional Resources

EdTech Career Interviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Do I need certification to become an educational technology specialist?

Answer: Many states do have teaching certification or administrator certification requirements for educational technology specialists, particularly if the specialist will have a role in classroom instruction. It’s best to check with your state department of education or a local ETS program for guidelines specific to your state. If you are planning to work in a private school or at a corporation or other business, you may not need certification. You may also be interested in our guides to traditional and alternative teacher certification.

Question: Where can I work with a degree in educational technology?

Answer: In addition to working directly with school districts, educational technology specialists find work with private companies that design and develop instructional materials, such as multimedia textbook publishers and new media instruction companies. ETS professionals also work for not-for-profit and government organizations.

Question: Can I earn a degree in educational technology online?

Answer: Yes! Many schools offer undergraduate and master’s degree programs in educational technology online that can prepare you for this career on a flexible schedule.

References:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2022 Occupational Employment and Wages, Instructional Coordinators: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes259031.htm
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Instructional Coordinators https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm