After four years as a teacher, I have decided to make the career switch to instructional design. When I began to write my resume, I began to doubt myself. Am I qualified? Do I have the skills that recruiters are looking for?
The answer is: Absolutely! I just needed to think about my strengths and reword them for a corporate role. Here are a few skills I have from my teaching experience that I catered to instructional design positions, and some tips that helped me get multiple instructional design interviews.
Learning Content Development
This is the most obvious skill alignment between teaching and instructional design. Teachers are constantly developing worksheets, presentations, posters, and other educational resources. We are already proficient in programs such as Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Canva, etc. If we can create lessons that keep young kids engaged, we can do it for adult learners as well. Many teachers are creative and willing to adapt to new technologies, which are valuable skills that recruiters look for.
Tip: Get the 30-day trial for Articulate Storyline and Rise and get to know the tools. Most companies look for designers who are proficient in these programs.
Stakeholder Collaboration
The idea of working with "company stakeholders" and "subject-matter experts" may sound daunting and unfamiliar to teachers, but it is really no different to what we do every day. Teachers collaborate with other colleagues, content specialists, and instructional coaches to improve their practices and meet instructional goals. We also collaborate with parents and families to find the best learning solutions for their child. As a teacher, you need to be able to listen to and respect others' points of view and accept feedback. We have to be diplomatic, personable, and exceptional communicators. These skills directly correlate to working with stakeholders and company leaders to reach business goals.
Accessibility Standards
Students come to our classrooms with a variety of language and ability needs, and it is no different for adult learners. Teachers already think about how to make their learning content accessible for all. We know how to incorporate audio and visuals, use translations, and scaffold to support understanding. This skill is crucial as an instructional designer to make sure that all online learning content follows accessibility standards and guidelines.
Tip: Familiarize yourself with the WCAG Accessibility standards so you know exactly how to make your eLearning content accessible for all learners.
Data Driven Improvement
Instructional design recruiters are always looking for someone who can use assessment data to address gaps and learning and identify next steps for their learners. Teachers give tests and grade assignments regularly throughout the school year, so we know how to analyze and evaluate data. This skill will be useful as an instructional designer when you use knowledge checks, surveys, and other forms of feedback to improve your instruction.
If you are a fellow teacher looking to transition into instructional design, you likely have more applicable skills and qualifications than you think! Thanks to my work with the learning agency and my experience as a teacher, I feel confident and prepared to enter the instructional design field.
Member discussion