My Colorado Journey
Back to pathway map
Education

Program or Department Lead

Leads a program or department within a school or across a district, including activities such as leading curriculum, professional, and team development; providing teacher support, development and evaluation; completing department business, budgeting, and reporting; and coordinating external activities such as participation in student organizations. Will often also teach students with a reduced class load.

Annual openings

2,235

Median wage

$63,410

Typical education

A Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university is usually required.

Growth 2026–2032

+7%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

Interactive walkthrough

Explore My Colorado Journey Careers

See where to compare pay, job demand, locations, skills, education, and training for a Colorado career.

Open in a new tab

Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

A Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university is usually required.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

Requirements differ from school district to school district, but specialized endorsements are often valued, such as Gifted Education Specialist, Instructional Technology Specialist, or Reading Specialist. For information on CTE roles, please see the Specialty Areas section.

Experience detail

At least 2-5 years of experience as a Licensed Teacher is expected.

Employer competency information

  • Able to lead Teachers in utilizing the following competencies — ● Instruction - Know and demonstrate knowledge of the content being taught, making the instruction and content relevant to students while fostering a positive learning environment and adjusting instructional approaches as needed ● Communication - Be perceptive and responsive listeners, able to communicate with students in a variety of ways; help students to articulate their thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively ● Teamwork - Working collaboratively with other educators, the students, and the families to achieve learning outcomes ● Reading - Able to develop reading skills in students while also utilizing these skills to facilitate their own lifelong learning ● Psychology - Engage students with different learning styles and abilities by using a variety of models of inclusive and effective practices

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenYes
  • On a computerMay vary
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Education
  • Teaching

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Instruct students individually and in groups, using teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
  2. Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students.
  3. Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems or with special academic interests.
  4. Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
  5. Read books to entire classes or small groups.
  6. Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
Feedback