As the dynamics of education are always shifting, educational consultants play a vital role in helping families, students and schools with their varied educational needs. Educational consultants may be former classroom teachers or administrators who are passionate about K-12 and higher education.

You could consider becoming a consultant if you enjoy influencing student achievements, advising parents and students, helping teachers and organizations grow in meaningful ways or providing career advice.

The requirements for certain jobs may vary depending on where you work, but may include the following:

• Most require earning a master's (in some cases a PhD in educational technology is preferred)
• Experience in a specific area of study
• Experience working in a specific educational setting
• Knowledge of state and federal education regulations and policy
• Experience working with students, teachers and other educators
• Some states require licensure for career counselors and advisors

As an educational consultant, you can pursue a wide range of roles according to your educational interests. What you do often depends on what area of education you are most interested in. Educational consultants who want to work directly with families and students may work in the following areas:

• School choice: research family’s needs and identify an ideal school setting
• College admissions: help students apply to colleges
• School initiatives: determine a school’s technology and make recommendations for how to implement 1:1 technology initiatives, blended learning programs or other innovations
• Curriculum advising: advise on curriculum to help schools reach certain goals

Many educational consultants have education degrees and have worked in classrooms. They know how important it is to have solid, well-written curriculum skills that allows them to provide their expertise and insight in the education realm.

Educational consultants are:

• Good writers, fresh-thinkers and innovators
• Skillful in project management tools
• Experienced in curriculum development or instructional design methods
• Masters in creating educational materials
• Confident in their ability to suggest topics
• Professional lesson-plan writers and administering hands-on implementation of their plans
• Concerned with knowing how education is developed and delivered
• Passionate about helping learners make positive and beneficial educational and career decisions
• Understanding of effective learning processes
• Knowledgeable in technology

1. Build a set of strong credentials is key to becoming an educational consultant. Whether you complete your bachelor’s degree in education or your PhD in educational technology, developing your expertise in a particular element of education is essential to your success as an educational consultant.
2. Choose a specialty; your dissertation or thesis work can serve as the basis for your consulting career. Expressing your original thoughts and ideas may lead to bigger opportunities.
3. Earn an educational consultant certificate.
4. Build creditability as a subject matter expert.
5. Find consulting opportunities.

If you’re looking into options on how to become an educational consultant, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from GCU is where you learn how to transition into a leadership role and improve the process of educating students.

Approved by the assistant dean for the College of Education on Dec. 27, 2022.