3 Teachers Turned Curriculum Developers Share Their "Why"
If you've ever wondered what it's like to transition from teaching to curriculum development — or you're eager to hear firsthand experiences from educators who have made the leap — you’re in the right place.
In this blog post, you'll meet three teachers turned curriculum developers. They’ll share what led them to this career path, how they got started as curriculum developers, advice if you’re interested in freelance curriculum development, and more.
Curriculum development is a flexible, rewarding career path for educators who enjoy designing engaging learning experiences.
There’s a reason there are so many former teachers in curriculum development! Working in the classroom, you’ve already built the skills you need to write quality curriculum. Whether you’re considering a full-time career change or you’re looking for a side hustle, there are so many opportunities in curriculum development, including roles with EdTech companies, curriculum publishers, education nonprofits, and more.
So let’s dive in! You might just get some inspiration for your own career move!
Stories of 3 Former Teachers as Curriculum Developers
Whether you dream of becoming an online curriculum developer full-time after leaving the classroom or just want a flexible way to make more money as a teacher, learning how to become a curriculum developer can help. Explore these stories of three former teachers turned curriculum developers.
Meet Kim Korst, Curriculum Developer
What inspired Kim to go from teacher to curriculum developer:
I was an early childhood special education teacher for 23 years but knew in my heart it was time for a new adventure. When considering my passions and strengths in creating lessons, educational materials, and play-based experiences for young learners, I knew curriculum development was my path. I am passionate about supporting the needs of all learners, and curriculum development allows me to do that.
Her "why" and how it shapes her curriculum development approach:
My “why” during my teacher years was the relationship I built with my students and families, and watching my students grow within the individual learner experiences I created. This “why” has shaped how I approach curriculum design, thinking about how to support each individual learner, families, and teachers within each lesson and educational experience.
The most rewarding part:
I love envisioning the curiosity and joy each learner will experience as I create lessons. When I was in the classroom it was so rewarding to watch students engage in the learning experiences I created, and now it is rewarding to think about all of the students, teachers, and families that will learn and grow from the educational experiences that I create as a curriculum developer!
Challenges/learning curves when first starting out:
When starting out, a challenge I faced was learning how to manage my time in a new career. As a teacher I juggled so many things, but it truly is taking a step back and embracing a new way of flexible thinking. I like to be thorough in my work, so it has helped me to create time blocks that give me structure. I am still learning and growing, but have time blocks for curriculum writing, brainstorming/research, and self-care.
How Kim got started + her advice for aspiring curriculum developers:
When I knew curriculum development was the path for me, I signed up for Educator Forever’s Curriculum Development certification program and continued with the advanced program as well. These truly shaped my path and growth!
My advice for aspiring curriculum developers would be two things: Be open and network. There are so many possibilities out there (full-time, contract) and all bring amazing opportunities and experiences. Also, network with people you know and connect to others on Linkedin. I have made so many wonderful connections that have shaped the start to my curriculum journey.
Meet Rozanne Rosenberg, Curriculum Developer
What inspired Rozanne to go from teacher to curriculum developer:
I have loved crafting curriculum from when I first stepped into the classroom. I love finding ways to synthesize information from various sources and especially to draw connections across content areas to create unique learning experiences for students that allow them to think critically, problem solve, and come to conclusions on their own.
Her "why" and how it shapes her curriculum development approach:
I am really passionate about approaching the curriculum I design from an interdisciplinary perspective and looking at it through a social justice lens. I make sure to do my best to create resources that allow teachers and students to engage in inquiry-based, hands-on learning.
The most rewarding part:
The most rewarding part is knowing that the resources I create will help teachers and students access information and build their own understandings on topics that I'm passionate about. I love knowing that I have helped make a teacher's life a little bit easier with a solid and creative lesson plan and learning activities.
Challenges/learning curves when first starting out:
Overcoming impostor syndrome is an ongoing challenge I face. Each time I start a new project — even for a client with whom I have worked before — I always have a few moments of needing to convince myself that I am qualified and capable of creating that particular resource. I don't know that that will ever go away, but I find that having clear guidelines for a project, making my own detailed plan for how to tackle it, and having open communication with the client is key to helping me move past the impostor syndrome to get started on the project.
How Rozanne got started + her advice for aspiring curriculum developers:
I got my first "official" curriculum development position by answering a request for a virtual assistant through a Facebook group I joined for Teachers Pay Teachers sellers looking for help creating products. I have gotten several jobs from that site as I have continued to build out my curriculum development portfolio. I have also worked for larger curriculum development companies simply by seeking them out and applying through their websites.
Advice I would give is to put yourself out there! If it's your first job, make sure you have examples of your work that you can show, but if you don't apply, then you definitely won't get the job. And also, don't give up. It takes a lot of nos to get to your first yes.
Meet Samantha Baldwin, Curriculum Developer
What inspired Samantha to go from teacher to curriculum developer:
Throughout my years of teaching and tutoring, the one thing that always brought me joy was creating the presentations, worksheets, and games I used in my classroom. When I realized I could do this as a second career, earning extra money while doing something that didn’t add to the “teacher burnout,” I was immediately drawn to it!
Her "why" and how it shapes her curriculum development approach:
My “why” is that curriculum development means I can have a meaningful educational impact, help other educators, and bring myself peace and joy. I love creating genuine connections and aligning real-world experiences in my teaching instruction. I can now bring this to life through the curriculum I create!
The most rewarding part:
I feel proud and empowered when I step back and see the completed product. I love envisioning the teachers and students utilizing my materials in their classrooms and knowing they are getting that real-world connection that makes learning last.
Challenges/learning curves when first starting out:
For me, learning to use Canva was a bit of a curve in the beginning. But once I got the hang of it, I actually unlocked a secondary passion: graphic design! There are still some other things I’m learning along the way, such as creating lead pages and promoting on social media. It’s important to know you will always be learning something new!
How Samantha got started + her advice for aspiring curriculum developers:
Get started with a strong network. I know I would never have gotten into curriculum development if not for my connections through Educator Forever. It makes a world of difference when you become a part of a group of like-minded professionals and build genuine friendships and connections.
I always have and always will recommend Educator Forever. This group of amazing women has been the base of my success in curriculum development.
Why Do Teachers as Curriculum Developers Work So Well?
Teachers make great curriculum developers because they have firsthand experience with student learning needs, classroom dynamics, and effective teaching strategies. Teachers also understand how to align content with learning objectives, adapt materials for different learning styles, and ensure engagement.
Ready to Go from Teacher to Curriculum Developer?
If you want to start a career in curriculum development (full or part-time), Educator Forever can help you, too!
Join the Curriculum Development Foundations Program, a 5-week flexible and empowering program designed to give you everything you need to develop engaging curriculum, stand out in the job market, and take your career to the next level.
Through the program, you’ll be assigned a curriculum coach, an experienced curriculum developer, who will give you support and personalized feedback on your work. You'll walk away from the program with a polished portfolio of curriculum samples and an amazing community supporting you as you step into working as a curriculum developer.
At Educator Forever, we don't only teach about curriculum development, but we're actively working in the field through our Educator Forever Agency. If you choose to become a certified curriculum developer during Curriculum Development Foundations, you'll get even more access to job opportunities from our agency, as well as from other educational organizations looking for experienced curriculum developers.
Ready to get started as a curriculum developer? Sign up now.