Transitioning from Teaching to Instructional Design: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you a teacher looking to make a career pivot into instructional design? If so, you’re in the right place! This blog post will provide you with a roadmap for transitioning from the classroom to the world of instructional design. It will highlight practical steps and resources to help you navigate this career change seamlessly.
Key Takeaways from the Webinar
This webinar featured Kristi Oliva, host of the Leaving the Classroom podcast and a seasoned program manager and instructional designer. During the session, Kristi shared invaluable insights on revising resumes, building portfolios, gaining relevant experience, and preparing for interviews.
Transitioning from managing a classroom to designing virtual instructor-led (vILT) or instructor-led (ILT) training may seem daunting. However, many skills you’ve honed as an educator are directly applicable to instructional design:
- Public Speaking and Presentation Skills: Teachers present daily to a skeptical audience.
- Time Management: Juggling multiple classes, subjects, and student needs.
- Creative Problem Solving: Adapting to challenges like technological failures and student behavior issues.
- Efficiency with Time and Resources: Often working with limited resources.
- Program Management: Organizing lessons and managing classroom activities.
Key Steps for Transitioning to Instructional Design
1. Revise Your Resume
- Include metrics to showcase your achievements and quantify your impact.
- Avoid generic statements and focus on tangible results.
- Keep your resume format simple and easy to scan.
2. Build an Instructional Design Portfolio
- Include diverse samples such as eLearning modules, training materials, job aids, and design documents.
- Showcase your proficiency with tools like Lectora, Articulate Rise, Storyline, and Adobe Captivate.
- Explain how your instructional materials address specific business challenges.
3. Gain Work Experience
- Work with small businesses on case studies.
- Find contract work to build experience, even if it can’t be included in your portfolio.
- Create fictional projects to demonstrate your skills.
4. Prepare for Interviews
- Be prepared for multiple rounds of interviews and possible assignments.
- Structure your responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Focus on communication, resourcefulness, and lessons learned in your answers.
- Practice interviewing to refine your communication skills.
Watch the Webinar Recording for Expert Tips
By following these steps and leveraging your teaching experience, you can successfully transition from teaching to instructional design. Embrace the challenge and embark on this exciting new career path with confidence!
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