Is Educational Consulting the Right Path for You?

Key Insights

Educational consultants help schools, organizations, and learners improve outcomes through creative, data-informed strategies. This work requires curiosity, collaboration, and the ability to translate ideas into meaningful educational change.
The field blends teaching, leadership, and advocacy — ideal for educators seeking broader impact. Consultants guide institutions toward more inclusive, effective, and innovative learning environments.
Consultants work in diverse settings, from K–12 districts to higher education and nonprofit arts organizations. This path's flexibility allows professionals to tailor their expertise to different audiences and missions.
Success in this field depends on creativity, strategy, and communication. Consultants use research, empathy, and design thinking to solve complex educational challenges.
Maine College of Art & Design’s online Master of Arts in Education can help you build the skills to thrive in consulting. This flexible, practice-based program empowers you to lead through art, education, and innovation.

Education evolves through the ideas, systems, and creative solutions that shape how people learn. It’s a field powered by curiosity and driven by those who see potential for change, with educational consulting sitting right at that intersection.

Consultants help schools, districts, and cultural organizations imagine new possibilities for teaching and learning.

Whether you’re an educator looking to expand your reach, a designer drawn to learning strategy, or a professional exploring how creativity supports education, consulting offers a meaningful way to make an impact.

What Is an Educational Consultant?

An educational consultant is a professional who helps improve the quality and effectiveness of teaching, learning, and administration. While some specialize in academic advising or curriculum development, others focus on organizational strategy, policy reform, or professional learning design.

In short, educational consultants act as bridges between classroom practice and institutional innovation. They collaborate with educators, administrators, and sometimes entire school systems to identify challenges, design solutions, and implement lasting change.

What Does an Educational Consultant Do?

Educational consultants wear many hats, and that’s part of the appeal. The role allows you to combine your background in education, creativity, and leadership to shape meaningful transformation across learning environments.

1. Curriculum design and evaluation

Consultants often assist schools or programs in developing new curricula or updating existing ones. This includes aligning learning outcomes with academic standards, integrating technology, and ensuring materials support diverse learners. For consultants with a creative background, arts integration and design thinking often play a central role in helping educators engage students in new ways.

2. Teacher training and professional development

Many consultants lead workshops, design training sessions, or mentor educators to strengthen instructional practices. The ultimate goal is to help teachers feel more empowered and effective in the classroom. Consultants in this area often work independently or partner with organizations to build long-term professional learning programs.

3. Program assessment and accreditation support

Educational consultants frequently manage assessment processes, ensuring institutions meet accreditation or performance benchmarks. This work involves data analysis, reporting, and clear communication with stakeholders, all skills that blend analytical precision with creative problem-solving.

4. School improvement planning

From developing strategic plans to implementing new instructional models, consultants play a key role in improving institutional culture and performance. These projects often span months or years and require both big-picture thinking and attention to detail.

5. Arts and creativity integration

For educators rooted in the arts, consulting can mean designing arts-integrated programs, developing creative learning initiatives, or helping schools infuse design thinking into their teaching models. It’s an avenue where creativity drives measurable learning outcomes.

What Skills Do Educational Consultants Need?

Success in educational consulting depends on both technical expertise and interpersonal insight. You’ll need to balance research-driven thinking with an ability to connect authentically with people.

Key skills include:

Instructional design and pedagogy: Understanding how people learn and how to structure experiences that support diverse learners.
Communication and facilitation: Translating complex ideas into accessible, inspiring dialogue.
Analytical and research abilities: Using data to diagnose challenges and propose solutions.
Creativity and adaptability: Applying design thinking and innovative problem-solving to evolving educational needs.
Collaboration: Working effectively with teams across different institutions, cultures, and missions.

Where Do Educational Consultants Work?

Consultants work across education, business, and nonprofit sectors. Common environments include:

K–12 schools and districts seeking curriculum or leadership support.
Colleges and universities developing new learning models or faculty programs.
EdTech companies creating learning tools and training resources.
Arts organizations and museums connecting creative practice to community learning.
Independent consulting practices offering services to individuals, schools, or corporate clients.

This field's flexibility makes it especially attractive for professionals who want to combine creative and strategic work or who value the freedom to shape their own career path.

How to Become an Educational Consultant

There’s no single route to becoming an educational consultant. However, most professionals build their foundation through experience in teaching, administration, or creative leadership, followed by advanced study that deepens their expertise.

Earning a Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) can help you move from classroom or creative practice into a consulting role. Graduate programs like Maine College of Art & Design’s emphasize reflection, innovation, and real-world application, giving you the confidence and credentials to guide others in designing meaningful learning experiences.

Why Choose Maine College of Art & Design’s MAEd Program?

Maine College of Art & Design’s online MAEd offers a flexible path for working educators and creative professionals ready to expand their impact. The 30-credit program can be completed in as little as 10–18 months, with courses designed around inquiry, collaboration, and applied research.

Key features include:

Flexible online learning: Designed for working professionals balancing teaching or creative practice.
Interdisciplinary focus: Engage with peers from arts, education, and design backgrounds to explore new perspectives.
Faculty mentorship: Learn from practicing artists, designers, and educators dedicated to your growth.
Community and connection: Become part of a creative network that extends beyond the classroom.

Graduates emerge prepared to lead change in educational systems, cultural organizations, and beyond, using art and design as catalysts for innovation.

FAQs About Educational Consulting

How much do educational consultants make?

According to Indeed, educational consultants make an average annual salary of $70,000+, as of October 2025. However, compensation varies depending on location, experience, and specialization. Consultants working independently or with large organizations often earn competitive rates for project-based or long-term contracts, reflecting their expertise and the impact of their recommendations.

Are educational consultants in demand?

Yes. As schools and organizations continue to adapt to new technologies, diverse learners, and innovative teaching models, the need for skilled consultants continues to grow across K–12, higher education, and arts-based learning environments.

What are the different types of educational consultants?

Consultants specialize in areas such as curriculum design, professional development, special education, college counseling, EdTech integration, and arts education. Each type focuses on improving different dimensions of learning and organizational practice.

What background is best for becoming an educational consultant?

Most consultants begin as educators, administrators, or professionals in related fields before pursuing advanced degrees or certifications that expand their strategic and leadership skills. A program like Maine College of Art & Design's MAEd supports that transition with a focus on creativity and applied research.

Can educational consultants work remotely?

Absolutely. Many consultants conduct workshops, develop curricula, and advise institutions entirely online, making it a flexible, location-independent career that aligns well with modern education systems.

Ready to Lead Through Creativity?

If you’re passionate about helping others learn, grow, and reimagine what education can be, consulting offers a powerful way to extend your influence.

Maine College of Art & Design’s online Master of Arts in Education gives you the flexibility and mentorship to evolve as a creative educator — and the expertise to guide others in doing the same.

Your next chapter in education leadership begins here. Request information today.