So, you’ve been in the teaching game for a while, and that spark that once ignited your passion for education is flickering.
It could be the expectation that you’ll work extra hours and weekends with barely a thank you. It could be the pay that never quite seems to keep up with the salaries your friends are getting. Hell, it could even be the stupid photocopier that seems permanently jammed!
Perhaps you’re contemplating a change, eyeing the world of instructional design. And that’s where I come in – I’m an instructional designer, and I’m keen to help you in your career transition.
Don’t get me wrong, you’ll have a lot of work to do – it is a new career after all. But I can help you make that leap from the classroom to the exciting realm of instructional design if you’re up for it. As well as the info in this post, take a look at the articles on LizzieJay.com for hints and tips on what you need to learn and how. Also, why not sign up for my email list – I promise I won’t bombard you with rubbish. Just simple information to get you on your way as an instructional designer, starting with a free email course on the basics you’ll need to know.
Bridging the Gap
As instructional designers, we decide how other people will experience learning, and it’s important to understand the intricacies of teaching. As a teacher, you possess the expertise to seamlessly bridge the gap between how you would teach in the classroom and how courses are designed in the instructional design sphere. You have the core skills already, and as I love training and designing courses, it’s a natural extension to guide interested people in the language of design.
Recognise Your Transferable Skills
I could go on for ages about how many transferable skills that teachers bring to the table. Communication, curriculum development, and a deep understanding of learner needs are the tip of the iceberg. But just these are gold when it comes to being a successful instructional designer, and I can help you unearth and polish them for your new adventure.
Tailor Your Learning Paths
One size does not fit all, and I get that. I understand that each teacher brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table (and some may not have the right skills or enthusiasm to make it as an instructional designer). But overall, whatever your teaching background is, you have the basics. And whether you’re a tech novice or an educational-tech enthusiast, I can help you can use the skills you have and learn the ones you don’t, to tailor the journey to suit your pace and preferences.
Technology
And while we’re on the subject, technology can be intimidating, especially if your comfort zone is the traditional classroom. But fear not – I’m your tech-savvy companion in this jungle. I can guide you through the labyrinth of e-learning authoring software, LMS’s (learning management systems), and all those acronyms that might have seemed like a foreign language.
It’s not terribly important at the beginning of your career to know how to use e-learning authoring software or to know the ins and outs of LMSs (it’s where the elearning is stored and how it runs). But a basic understanding is handy and the basics of instructional design are paramount. However, I’m in the process of creating a course in how to use one of the e-learning tools called Articulate Storyline for beginners. Leave your email address below and as well as sending you tips about your new instructional design journey, I’ll make sure you’re the first to know when it’s ready.
In this fun (or scary, depending on your current view) career transition, I can help point you in the right direction as you navigate these uncharted waters. I’m looking forward to being around on this journey from teaching to the dynamic world of instructional design. So, if you’re contemplating that leap, remember: I’m here, ready and waiting to guide you into the next chapter of your professional life (and apparently quite needy!) Either way, sign up to my mailing list or just drop me a line if you have any questions, or want to know more – Lizzie@LizzieJay.com
