Research Coordinator Jobs in Teacher Education - Secondary Education

🎓 Understanding the Research Coordinator Role

A Research Coordinator is a pivotal figure in academic and higher education settings, serving as the operational backbone for research initiatives. This position involves overseeing the day-to-day execution of studies, from initial planning to final reporting. Research Coordinators ensure projects stay on timeline, within budget, and adhere to ethical guidelines. In higher education, they often collaborate with principal investigators (PIs), who are lead researchers, to manage teams of assistants and students.

The meaning of Research Coordinator encompasses administrative prowess combined with research acumen. They recruit participants, collect and analyze data, and prepare dissemination materials like reports or presentations. For detailed insights into the general Research Coordinator position, explore foundational responsibilities there.

📖 Research Coordinator in Teacher Education - Secondary Education

Teacher Education - Secondary Education refers to specialized programs and research aimed at preparing educators for high schools, typically serving students aged 12 to 18. A Research Coordinator in this domain focuses on studies evaluating teaching methods, curriculum efficacy, and professional development for secondary teachers. For instance, they might coordinate longitudinal research on how inquiry-based learning impacts math achievement in grades 9-12, drawing from frameworks like those in the 2020 National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) standards.

The definition of Teacher Education - Secondary Education highlights its emphasis on subject-specific pedagogy—blending content knowledge with instructional strategies tailored to adolescents. Coordinators in this field manage projects exploring issues like inclusive education for diverse learners or technology integration in classrooms. Recent trends, such as those in 2026 higher education reports, show increased funding for STEM teacher training, where coordinators track outcomes using metrics like student engagement scores.

Examples include leading multi-university collaborations on virtual reality simulations for history teachers, ensuring data security and IRB (Institutional Review Board) approvals.

📋 Required Qualifications, Expertise, and Skills

To thrive in Research Coordinator jobs within Teacher Education - Secondary Education, candidates need robust academic credentials. A Master's degree in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, or a related field is standard, with a PhD preferred for senior roles. Research focus should center on secondary pedagogy, adolescent learning theories, or teacher preparation models.

• Preferred Experience: 3+ years coordinating grants from bodies like the National Science Foundation (NSF), with a track record of 5-10 publications in journals such as the Journal of Teacher Education.
• Key Skills and Competencies:
  • Proficiency in project management tools like Asana or REDCap.
  • Data analysis using SPSS, R, or qualitative software like NVivo.
  • Grant writing and budgeting, often handling $100K+ awards.
  • Excellent communication for stakeholder reports and team leadership.
  • Knowledge of ethical standards, including CITI Program training.

Actionable advice: Build your profile by volunteering on campus studies and tailoring your CV—see how to write a winning academic CV for tips.

📚 Definitions

Pedagogy: The art, science, and practice of teaching, particularly methods that engage secondary students effectively.

Institutional Review Board (IRB): An ethics committee that reviews research involving human subjects to protect rights and welfare.

Principal Investigator (PI): The primary researcher responsible for the design and oversight of a study.

Secondary Education: Formal schooling for teenagers, focusing on advanced subjects and preparation for higher education or careers.

🌟 Career Path and Opportunities

The Research Coordinator role traces back to the post-1970s expansion of sponsored research in universities, formalized amid the 1990s accountability push in education. Today, demand surges with global emphases on teacher quality, as seen in 2026 trends like personalized learning research.

Professionals often advance to Research Director or faculty positions. Salaries average $60,000-$90,000 USD globally, varying by location and experience. For similar paths, review advice on thriving in research roles or research jobs.

In summary, pursuing Research Coordinator jobs in Teacher Education - Secondary Education offers impactful work shaping future educators. Explore openings via higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job to connect with opportunities.