Are you a teacher looking to break into instructional design for your next career pivot? Then you're in the right place!
This webinar provided a comprehensive roadmap for teachers looking to transition into instructional design, emphasizing practical steps and resources to facilitate the career change.
Our speaker, Kristi Oliva is host of the Leaving the Classroom podcast, as well as a program manager and former instructional designer. In this session, Kristi covered many topics, including revising resumes, building portfolios, gaining relevant experience, and preparing for interviews.
Going from wrangling herds of children in a classroom to creating virtual instructor-led (vILT) or instructor-led (ILT) training might seem like a big leap. Still, there are many skills you've developed as an educator that apply to instructional design, too. For example:
- Public Speaking and Presentation Skills: Teachers present daily to a skeptical audience.
- Time Management: Managing multiple classes, subjects, and student needs.
- Creative Problem Solving: Adapting to technological failures and student behavior issues.
- Efficiency with Time and Resources: Often working with limited resources.
- Program Management: Organizing lessons and managing classroom activities.
What are the key steps to take as you prepare to transition from teaching to instructional design?
1. Revise Your Resume
- Include metrics such as what was done, how long it took, how many people were affected, and the results.
- Avoid generic statements; focus on achievements and quantifiable data.
- Keep the resume format simple and scannable.
2. Build an Instructional Design Portfolio
- Include a variety of samples such as eLearning modules, instructor-led training materials, job aids, and instructional design documents.
- Demonstrate familiarity with standard ID tools like Lectora, Articulate Rise, Storyline, and Adobe Captivate.
- Explain the business problem and how the instructional materials address it.
3. Gain Work Experience
- Option 1: Work with local small businesses to create case studies.
- Option 2: Find contract work, though it might not always be usable in a portfolio.
- Option 3: Create fictional projects to demonstrate skills.
4. Prepare for Interviews
- Be ready for multiple rounds of interviews including recruiter calls, screening interviews, and possibly assignments.
- Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure responses.
- Focus on communication, resourcing, and lessons learned in answers.
- Practice interviewing to become comfortable and polished.
Watch the webinar recording below to hear Kristi's tips on leaving the classroom!
