Educational Research Coordinator in Kentucky Career Overview

As an Educational Research Coordinator, you play a vital role in shaping the landscape of education. Your work focuses on collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data that influence educational programs and policies. This position is essential for ensuring that educational institutions operate based on sound research and evidence.

Key responsibilities in this role include:

  • Designing research studies that investigate various aspects of educational practices, outcomes, and innovations.
  • Collaborating with educators, administrators, and policymakers to identify research needs and priorities.
  • Assessing the effectiveness of educational programs and interventions through detailed data analysis.
  • Communicating research findings to stakeholders, ensuring that complex information is accessible and actionable.

Your contributions help to establish best practices within educational environments and drive improvements that enhance student learning experiences. By bridging the gap between research and practice, you facilitate informed decision-making that impacts the future of education in Kentucky and beyond.

Educational Research Coordinator Salary in Kentucky

Annual Median: $62,750
Hourly Median: $30.17

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become an Educational Research Coordinator in Kentucky

To become an Educational Research Coordinator, you typically need to pursue advanced education in specific fields related to education and research methodologies. Here are the relevant college degree programs that will prepare you for this career:

  • Master's Degree in Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research

    • Focuses on methods and practices in assessing educational outcomes and evaluating educational programs.
  • Master's Degree in Educational Assessment

    • Emphasizes techniques for measuring educational achievement and designing assessments that improve learning outcomes.
  • Master's Degree in Educational Evaluation and Research

    • Provides an understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of evaluating education policies and research designs.
  • Master's Degree in Research Administration

    • Covers the management of research projects, including grant writing, compliance, and organizational research strategy.
  • Master's Degree in Survey Research Methodology

    • Focuses on designing and implementing surveys; assesses data collection methods and analysis techniques important for educational research.

Many positions may also require a Doctorate in education or a related field, particularly for roles in academic or high-level administrative settings.

Best Schools to become a Educational Research Coordinator in Kentucky 2024

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

In-State Tuition:$52,659
Out-of-State Tuition:$52,659
Admission Rate:3%
Graduation Rate:98%
Total Enrollment:30,631

University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA

In-State Tuition:$11,564
Out-of-State Tuition:$41,636
Admission Rate:21%
Graduation Rate:87%
Total Enrollment:35,937

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, AL

In-State Tuition:$8,832
Out-of-State Tuition:$21,216
Admission Rate:87%
Graduation Rate:64%
Total Enrollment:21,639

Campbellsville University

Campbellsville, KY

In-State Tuition:$25,600
Out-of-State Tuition:$25,600
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:41%
Total Enrollment:11,775

Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Weatherford, OK

In-State Tuition:$6,585
Out-of-State Tuition:$13,695
Admission Rate:77%
Graduation Rate:39%
Total Enrollment:4,777

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

In-State Tuition:$11,496
Out-of-State Tuition:$30,913
Admission Rate:95%
Graduation Rate:69%
Total Enrollment:31,547
Educational Research Coordinator Job Description:
  • Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research.
  • May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

Educational Research Coordinator Required Skills and Competencies in Kentucky

  • Analytical Skills: You need the ability to assess data and research findings critically, discerning patterns and implications that inform educational practices.

  • Research Methodology: Understanding various qualitative and quantitative research methods is essential for designing effective studies and evaluations.

  • Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary to convey research findings clearly to diverse audiences, including educators, policymakers, and stakeholders.

  • Project Management: You should be able to plan, implement, and oversee research projects effectively, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.

  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with statistical software, data analysis tools, and educational technologies is vital for conducting research and analyzing results.

  • Collaboration: You must be able to work well with teams and collaborate with various stakeholders such as educators, administrators, and community members to integrate research findings into practice.

  • Attention to Detail: A strong focus on precision helps ensure accuracy in research design, data collection, and reporting.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: You should possess the ability to identify challenges within educational systems and develop evidence-based solutions.

  • Ethical Understanding: A solid grasp of the ethical considerations in educational research is necessary to uphold integrity and ensure the responsible treatment of data and participants.

  • Adaptability: Being open to new ideas and methodologies in a continuously evolving educational landscape will aid in maintaining relevance and effectiveness in your research efforts.

Job Duties for Educational Research Coordinators

  • Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.

  • Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.

  • Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.

Technologies and Skills Used by Educational Research Coordinators

Analytical or scientific software

  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • The MathWorks MATLAB

Computer based training software

  • Appletree

Object or component oriented development software

  • Perl
  • R

Basic Skills

  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • Reading work related information

People and Technology Systems

  • Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Job Market and Opportunities for Educational Research Coordinator in Kentucky

The job market for Educational Research Coordinators in Kentucky is characterized by several key factors that influence demand and growth potential.

  • Increased Focus on Data-Driven Decision Making: Educational institutions increasingly prioritize data analysis to improve student outcomes. This trend amplifies the demand for professionals who can design, conduct, and interpret educational research.

  • Diverse Employment Sectors: Opportunities exist in various sectors, including public school districts, universities, research organizations, and educational non-profits. Each sector values the insights that Educational Research Coordinators can provide to enhance teaching and learning processes.

  • Growth Potential: As educational policies evolve, so does the need for innovative research to inform these policies. This growth can lead to increased hiring of Educational Research Coordinators, particularly as Kentucky continues to focus on improving its educational system.

  • Geographical Hotspots:

    • Louisville: Known for its large educational institutions and organizations, Louisville offers numerous research and development opportunities within its universities and education-focused nonprofits.
    • Lexington: With its mix of public school districts and higher education institutions, Lexington is another hotspot for Educational Research Coordinators seeking roles in research and evaluation.
    • Bowling Green: Home to Western Kentucky University, this city provides additional opportunities through its educational programs and initiatives focused on research.
  • Networking and Collaboration Opportunities: The presence of statewide educational conferences and collaborative research initiatives can provide valuable networking opportunities for Educational Research Coordinators. Engaging in these activities can further enhance your visibility and potential job prospects.

  • Emerging Technologies and Research Fields: As educational technology continues to evolve, there may be increasing demand for professionals capable of integrating tech-focused research into educational practices. Staying updated on trends in this area can position you advantageously in the job market.

By focusing on these aspects, you can better navigate and capitalize on the opportunities available in Kentucky’s educational research landscape.

Additional Resources To Help You Become an Educational Research Coordinator in Kentucky

  • American Educational Research Association (AERA)
    AERA Website
    AERA is a premier organization for educational researchers. It provides resources such as journals, conferences, and professional development opportunities relevant to the field.

  • Institute of Education Sciences (IES)
    IES Website
    The IES is the research arm of the U.S. Department of Education. It offers extensive research reports, datasets, and information on educational studies, beneficial for those in educational research.

  • Council of Academic Deans from Research Education Institutions (CADREI)
    CADREI Website
    This organization focuses on the development and support of deans in research-oriented education institutions. It offers networking opportunities and resources for educational leaders and researchers.

  • National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
    NCES Website
    The NCES is a valuable resource for educational statistics and trends. It provides data that can inform educational research and policy decisions.

  • Educational Research and Reviews (ERR) Journal
    ERR Journal
    This open-access journal publishes articles on various aspects of educational research, offering insights into recent studies and methodologies.

  • School of Education at the University of Kentucky
    UK College of Education
    The University of Kentucky’s College of Education offers graduate programs and resources tailored for future educational researchers. Investigate their research initiatives and publications for additional insights.

  • ResearchGate
    ResearchGate Website
    A networking site for researchers where you can find articles, papers, and collaborators in the field of educational research. Utilize this platform to connect with other professionals and access their work.

  • Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness (SREE)
    SREE Website
    SREE focuses on methods for improving education through rigorous research. They provide conferences, publications, and resources valuable for educational researchers.

  • Kentucky Department of Education
    KDE Website
    The Kentucky Department of Education provides information on state education policies, statistics, and research initiatives that may be beneficial for local educational research.

  • American Educational Research Journal
    AER Journal
    This peer-reviewed journal publishes original research on education and educational research methodologies, making it a suitable resource to stay updated with contemporary studies.

  • Google Scholar
    Google Scholar Website
    A freely accessible search engine that indexes scholarly articles across various disciplines. It is an ideal tool for finding research papers, theses, and conference proceedings relevant to educational research.

These resources will aid in your pursuit of knowledge and professional development as an Educational Research Coordinator in Kentucky.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Educational Research Coordinator in Kentucky

  • What is the primary role of an Educational Research Coordinator?
    An Educational Research Coordinator is responsible for planning, executing, and managing research projects within educational settings. This includes collecting and analyzing data, preparing reports, and ensuring compliance with research protocols.

  • What qualifications are necessary to become an Educational Research Coordinator?
    Typically, you will need at least a master's degree in education, psychology, sociology, or a related field. Experience in research methodologies and data analysis is also highly beneficial.

  • What skills are essential for an Educational Research Coordinator?
    Important skills include strong analytical abilities, excellent communication, project management, and proficiency in statistical software. Being detail-oriented and having a good understanding of educational policies and practices are also vital.

  • What types of organizations hire Educational Research Coordinators?
    You can find opportunities in various sectors, including public and private schools, universities, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and educational consulting firms.

  • What are common tasks performed by an Educational Research Coordinator?
    Your daily tasks might include designing research studies, collecting and analyzing data, writing grant proposals, conducting workshops, and collaborating with educators to apply research findings.

  • Is there a demand for Educational Research Coordinators in Kentucky?
    Yes, there is a growing need for professionals who can provide research-based insights to improve educational practices and policies, especially with recent emphasis on data-driven decision-making in education.

  • What is the average salary for an Educational Research Coordinator in Kentucky?
    Salaries can vary significantly based on experience, education, and specific employer, but as of late 2023, you can expect an average salary range of approximately $50,000 to $75,000 annually.

  • What career advancement opportunities are available for Educational Research Coordinators?
    With experience, you may advance to senior research positions, managerial roles, or even academic faculty positions if you pursue further education or specialize in a niche area of research.

  • What professional organizations are beneficial for Educational Research Coordinators?
    Joining organizations like the American Educational Research Association (AERA) or the National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME) can provide valuable networking opportunities, resources, and professional development.

  • Are there specific trends affecting the role of Educational Research Coordinators?
    Yes, current trends include an increased focus on data privacy, the integration of technology in education, and a growing interest in social-emotional learning research, all of which influence how educational research is conducted and applied.