Director of Instruction

Career Guide

A Director of Instruction leads teaching and learning across a school, network, or district. This role sets instructional priorities, improves lesson quality, supports teachers and school leaders, and uses evidence from classrooms and student results to strengthen outcomes.

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Key Responsibilities

Set the vision for high quality instruction across schools or programs
Build and maintain an instructional improvement plan with clear goals
Design and deliver professional learning for teachers and leaders
Coach principals and instructional coaches on classroom practice
Create and improve curriculum and pacing guidance
Establish expectations for lesson planning and assessment
Review student performance data to identify needs and track progress
Lead classroom observation systems and feedback routines
Support interventions for students who are behind
Partner with special education, multilingual, and student support teams
Recruit, develop, and retain instructional staff
Manage budgets and instructional resources
Ensure compliance with state standards and district requirements
Communicate instructional priorities to families and community partners

Top Skills for Success

Instructional Leadership

Teacher Coaching

Professional Development Design

Curriculum Design

Assessment Literacy

Data Analysis

Change Management

Stakeholder Communication

Team Leadership

Hiring and Talent Development

Budget Management

Equity Leadership

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Chief Academic Officer

Assistant Superintendent of Instruction

Executive Director of Teaching and Learning

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Director of Teaching and Learning

Transition Opportunities

Education Consultant

Learning and Development Director

Education Program Director

School Network Leader

Education Policy Advisor

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

System Level StrategyProgram EvaluationBudget PlanningCross Functional LeadershipCurriculum Adoption ProcessContract and Vendor ManagementProject ManagementBoard Presentation Skills

Development SuggestionsBuild experience leading a multi school initiative, practice presenting clear updates to senior leaders, and run a full cycle program review using goals, evidence, and adjustments. Seek ownership of a budget line and a vendor selection process to strengthen operational readiness.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level$80,000 to $105,000

Mid Level$105,000 to $140,000

Senior Level$140,000 to $190,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand. Hiring is strongest in districts focused on academic recovery, curriculum updates, and teacher development. Competition is higher in well funded systems and larger networks.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

Public School DistrictsCharter School NetworksPrivate SchoolsEducation Service AgenciesState Education DepartmentsNonprofit Education OrganizationsEducation Management OrganizationsOnline SchoolsCurriculum PublishersEducation Technology Companies

Industry Sectors

K to 12 EducationCharter ManagementPrivate EducationGovernmentNonprofitEducation TechnologyPublishing

Recommended Next Steps

Create a one page portfolio of instructional results, including growth measures and school improvement outcomes

Strengthen a clear instructional framework that describes excellent teaching and learning

Build a sample professional learning plan that includes goals, sessions, practice activities, and follow up coaching

Develop a repeatable classroom observation and feedback routine with examples of written feedback

Prepare stories for interviews that show impact, conflict resolution, and change leadership

Target roles in districts and networks with active curriculum work, coaching models, or turnaround efforts

Earn a relevant credential if needed for your region, such as an administrative license

Network with principals, curriculum leaders, and superintendent offices to learn current priorities