- Teachers are the original curriculum writers. They processed the curriculum into digestible chunks for their students using lesson plans. With the development of school districts, high academic populations and the need for more focused curricula across several classrooms, curriculum writers began developing coursework based on the needs of the class level, subject matter and available educational materials.
- Curriculum writers are typically skilled in technical writing. They can write the how to materials for the teachers. Curriculum materials should encompass a narrative overview that covers the purpose of the curriculum, the subject matter and the grade level. The objectives should be clearly stated. Curriculum for a U.S. History course, for example, will include, but are not limited to the major events, political structure and industrial level of environment. Each section will be broken down into lesson chunks covering specific areas of instruction. The curriculum may also include testing criteria and suggested questions for reviewing the material.
- Curriculum writers should employ strategies in the curriculum to help teachers and student achieve the desired goals and objectives. Strategies include suggested reading, resource materials, classroom activities and projects. A typical American Literature class will feature books by several American literary, authors such as Mark Twain. Activities could include historical essays on the time periods of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. Related activities may include life on the Mississippi, folk songs and dress. The strategies should engage critical thinking and advance understanding of the material.
- Former teachers make great curriculum writers, particularly in their specialties. Elementary education utilizes curriculum writers particularly because not all teachers specialize in multiple subjects. Specialists in reading will have a better understanding of a curriculum development for teaching or improving reading over a math specialist who provides curriculum on geometric shapes, numbers, addition and subtraction.
- Curriculum writing is not easy. Freelance writers may be employed if they meet the criteria for hiring. Teaching degrees are often desired as are specialties in areas of elementary, middle and high school education. College curriculum writing may be limited to personnel with Masters and Ph.Ds. School boards are responsible for the creation of curriculum to be used in their district, but must still meet standards set forth by the state's Department of Education.
