How to Launch a Career in Educational Consulting
Jul 14, 2025
Education is evolving, and with it comes the demand for experts who can guide schools,
districts, and organizations through that change. Education consulting is the perfect
role for you if you’re passionate about improving learning outcomes and helping educators
and institutions thrive.
At Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU), students develop the knowledge, leadership, and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in education consultant jobs. Here’s what you need to know about this exciting and growing profession, and how OLLU can help you stand out relative to other candidates.
What Is Educational Consulting?
Educational consultants are professionals who advise schools, districts, families, or educational organizations on ways to improve teaching, learning outcomes, and administration. Unlike teachers or principals, education consultants operate as independent advisors, often working on specific projects or initiatives.
Education consultants might help schools implement new curricula, train teachers in cutting-edge instructional techniques, develop programs for students with special needs, or improve organizational culture and performance. Others specialize in working directly with families, guiding students through the college admissions process, or helping find the right school fit.
In short, educational consulting is all about using expertise to create better outcomes for learners and educators alike.
Types of Education Consultant Jobs
The field of education consulting is broad and diverse, offering a range of career paths:
- School Improvement Consultant: Works with schools or districts to analyze performance data, recommend changes, and support implementation of reforms.
- Curriculum Specialist: Advises on designing, adopting, and implementing curricula aligned with state or national standards.
- Higher Education Consultant: Helps universities or colleges improve enrollment, student retention, and academic programs.
- Family/Student Consultant: Works directly with families to advise on college admissions, private school placement, or learning plans.
- Professional Development Consultant: Designs and delivers training for teachers, administrators, or entire districts.
Whether your focus is on big-picture strategy or one-on-one advising, educational consultant jobs are about making a measurable impact on education systems and individual learners.
Education, Background, and Experience You Need
Most employers expect education consultants to have a strong background in teaching, administration, or a related field, plus advanced education and leadership skills.
At OLLU, students can choose from both undergraduate and graduate programs, including the Bachelor of Education - Teacher Preparation, Master of Arts in Teaching, and the Master of Education (MEd), all of which provide excellent preparation for education consultant jobs.
Depending on the specific program, OLLU prepares you to:
- Understand policy and the business of education.
- Analyze data to improve learning outcomes.
- Lead organizational change with cultural sensitivity.
- Develop expertise in instructional design, counseling, or administration.
Some education consulting roles also value practical experience in teaching or leadership. Many students at OLLU already have some classroom or administrative experience, but the programs are equally welcoming to career changers looking to make an impact.
Trends Shaping Educational Consulting
The field of educational consulting is changing as schools and institutions face new challenges. Here are some trends to watch:
- Technology Integration: Consultants who can guide schools through digital transformations, particularly in regards to new AI guidelines and standards, as well as the general effective use of online learning tools, are in high demand.
- Equity and Inclusion: There's a growing need for expertise in culturally responsive teaching and equitable access to resources, something OLLU emphasizes as a historically Hispanic-Serving Institution.
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Consultants who can help schools support students’ mental health and emotional development are increasingly valued.
- Policy Compliance: Changing laws and standards mean schools often rely on consultants to navigate complex regulatory environments.
These trends make educational consulting a dynamic, impactful field for professionals who want to help education systems meet 21st-century demands.
Why Choose OLLU?
At OLLU, students preparing for education consultant jobs don’t just learn theory; they learn how to lead with vision and purpose. Here’s why OLLU is the perfect place to begin your journey:
- Programs are designed with an emphasis on equity, inclusion, and service.
- Faculty who bring years of practical experience in schools, districts, and policy.
- Small class sizes and close mentorship help you grow professionally and personally.
- Flexible graduate options are designed for working educators and career changers alike.
As a recognized leader in education for over a century, OLLU has a proud tradition of preparing professionals who make a difference in the lives of students, families, and communities.
Start Your Journey in Educational Consulting
If you’re ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career, OLLU’s graduate and undergraduate programs in education can help you gain the skills and confidence you need to succeed in educational consultant jobs. Whether you see yourself improving schools, supporting families, or leading systemic change, OLLU is here to help you make a better educational future for the next generation of learners.