Teachers Have Instructional Design Skills
When the Covid-19 Pandemic forced schools to move online, teachers got a crash course in using educational technology. Many went from limited or nonexistent implementation of edtech to relying on it heavily. In some cases, they literally learned the skills overnight. In the wake of this shift to online learning, large numbers of teachers had to consider leaving the K-12 classroom. EdTech jobs offered lower stress and higher pay. One EdTech job that is particularly well suited to former teachers is that of instructional design. Whether you’re a K-12 educator looking to pursue a career as an ID or an employer looking to hire an ID team, here are some reasons why teachers make great instructional designers:
Good project managers
Teachers are expected to balance the physical, social, and educational needs of each of their students, managing everything from physical space to differentiated learning. According to NCES, the average elementary class size in the United States contains just under 21 students. These children, plus parents, school principals, school board members, and government educational standards, amount to a vast amount of stakeholders to whom teachers must be accountable. Like all good project managers, teachers also constantly assess the cost-benefit analysis of long and short-term decisions throughout the school year. Do I have the time to change that assignment? Do I have enough glue sticks to do that art project? These project management skills translate so well into the life of instructional designers, where the needs of stakeholders must be balanced against available resources.
Think like their students
One important key to good instructional design is a strong grasp of user experience (UX) principles. This is an innate skill for teachers, as they always approach curriculum design from the perspective of their students, ensuring that instructions and assignments are clear and that the lessons are engaging. Teachers often quickly identify what doesn’t work in terms of design, layout, and lesson execution. This ability to think from the perspective of the student means a teacher can intuit what makes for good instructional design.
Teachers are Adaptable
Every teacher knows what it is like to begin a carefully planned lesson only to realize that it isn’t working for one reason or another. Teachers can quickly pivot and adapt to make the lesson work right there and then in front of a classroom of children. Like good instructional designers, teachers have the cognitive agility to problem solve quickly and efficiently to create curricula that work.
Teachers are good listeners
Good teachers are good listeners, seeing beyond what may be said to what is really meant. They read the room to intuit underlying issues with the group dynamic. This high emotional IQ means that, as an ID, teachers help SMEs and other course stakeholders find common ground and solutions to issues.
In short, the same skills that make for a good teacher also can set someone up to be an excellent instructional designer. ID is an excellent career shift for anyone looking to transfer K-12 teaching skills outside the classroom.
Teachers make great instructional designers!
Interested in pursuing your MSIDT degree? Contact Dr. George Hanshaw, Assistant Dean of the MSIDT program, with any questions.
Email: msidt@lapu.edu | Call or Text: (626) 268-0304
Earn your Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology (MSIDT). You pay per subscription period. The cost is $2,500 per 4-month period. You can complete the program in 12, 16, or 20 months. It is up to you and your experience level and availability. You can earn your MSIDT degree and 10 digital credentials while learning the latest knowledge, skills, and abilities you need to succeed as an ID.
Blog written by: Kristen Denlinger