What a Week Looks Like for a Busy Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers operate at the intersection of educational theory, instructional design, and classroom practice. Their work ensures that teachers have high-quality resources aligned to standards, and that students have access to engaging, equitable learning experiences. A week in the life of a busy Curriculum Developer involves strategic planning, content development, collaboration with educators, and continual refinement of instructional materials. Here's what a typical week might look like in this impactful role.

Monday: Project Planning and Prioritization

• Review weekly goals and adjust timelines for ongoing curriculum development projects.
• Check in with the project team or instructional coaches to assess progress and set daily priorities.
• Organize digital files and curriculum documents using platforms like Google Drive, Airtable, or Trello.
• Respond to teacher feedback or support requests related to previous curriculum rollouts.

Tuesday: Content Creation and Resource Development

• Write or revise lesson plans, unit guides, and formative assessments for current curriculum units.
• Develop engaging student-facing materials such as graphic organizers, project prompts, or reading passages.
• Design digital content using tools like Canva, Google Slides, or Articulate Rise.
• Ensure that all new content is aligned with applicable state standards and instructional goals.

Wednesday: Collaboration and Stakeholder Meetings

• Meet with subject matter experts (SMEs), teachers, or instructional leaders to gather feedback or co-develop materials.
• Participate in curriculum committee sessions or professional learning communities (PLCs).
• Attend training or webinars to stay current on trends like culturally responsive curriculum or learning science.
• Lead or support implementation workshops for newly released units or pilot lessons.

Thursday: Curriculum Review and Quality Assurance

• Conduct audits of existing curriculum for clarity, consistency, accessibility, and inclusivity.
• Test digital resources for functionality and ease of use in classroom environments.
• Edit and revise materials based on stakeholder input and student learning data.
• Collaborate with accessibility teams or specialists to ensure UDL compliance and WCAG standards.

Friday: Reflection, Reporting, and Professional Growth

• Analyze teacher and student feedback from curriculum implementations or surveys.
• Compile documentation of updates, changes, and version histories for internal reporting.
• Reflect on what went well during the week and identify areas for improvement.
• Invest in personal development—complete a training module, read an article, or add work to your portfolio.

Ongoing Responsibilities Throughout the Week

• Communicate with instructional teams to troubleshoot issues or gather on-the-ground insights.
• Ensure curriculum pacing aligns with school calendars and testing schedules.
• Maintain and organize shared curriculum folders, lesson templates, and alignment trackers.
• Respond promptly to requests for adaptations, extensions, or support materials from schools or districts.

Conclusion

Each week for a Curriculum Developer is filled with tasks that require creativity, collaboration, and precision. From designing engaging lessons to aligning with standards and reviewing feedback, their work lays the foundation for effective teaching and impactful learning. While fast-paced and multifaceted, the role offers the rewarding opportunity to shape how thousands of students experience education—one unit at a time.