The Path from Educator to ID

I graduated from Purdue in August with my MSEd ready to leave the K-12 classroom and pursue my passion of designing curriculum for adult learners. Fast forward five months...I have boosted my resumes, tweaked my LinkedIn, polished my cover letter, and applied for a number of learning and development, and instructional design positions. I have gained quite a bit of insight into my strengths and areas I need to develop. I have been fortunate to have several phone interviews. I finish feeling optimistic that I have done a thorough job expressing my skills. There seems to be one recurring roadblock. The question always asked or implied "You are a primary teacher, but what is your experience with adult learners?" I try my best to sell myself as an instructional designer and educator, but it always comes back to that very relevant question.

As I switch gears from casual job search to full job search dedication I decided it was time to connect what I do as an educator to the role of an instructional or curriculum designer in the adult learning community. I fully recognize that I do not educate adults on a daily basis, but I mentor adults, collaborate with adults, design curriculum and assessments with a team of adults, and often present learning strategies to adults.

I design curriculum, learning opportunities, and assessment for all learning levels. As an educator I have diverse learners and every unit of study (think training module) I must complete a front end analysis. I identify learning gaps to see where my learners are at and where they need to be, I work with stakeholders (my team, administration, and special education SMEs, and parents) to determine resources available and the best way to design the curriculum to meet the needs of my clients (the students). Once the 1st iteration of design has been agreed upon, I develop a multi-faceted instructional plan that addresses different learning styles, provides differentiation for different learning levels, and provides face to face, collaborative, and technology based learning. I implement this in my classroom and become the trainer or educator of the learning design plan. Throughout the implementation I incorporate assessments. We as educators don't name them according to Kirkpatrick's 4 levels, but through observation, formative assessments, summative assessments, and state standardized tests we complete all 4 levels.

While I am passionate about teaching. I have found that I am equally passionate about designing curriculum and instruction. I love incorporating technology as one of the many ways to provide just in time, micro-learning opportunities. While I am not an expert in implementing adult learning. I am well-developed in adult learning theories and how to provide learning experiences to working adults. I have mentored student teachers as they prepare for their careers. I have conducted live reading workshops in my classroom for other teachers. This is very real apprenticeship. I serve as a technology mentor in our building providing micro-learning PD on Google Suites, Nearpod, Canvas, and Apple Certification. I followed the ADDIE model to develop reading training for the paraprofessionals/instructional assistants in our building. I presented a blended class at AppleMania on cooperative and collaborative learning experiences.

I fully recognize that I need to continue to grow in this area and I have hit my ceiling in my current position. As I write I have connected with our church and the local library to volunteer in the role of instructional designer in adult education initiatives they are creating. I am so much more than a 2nd grade teacher. I just want the opportunity to prove it. I welcome suggestions and feedback on how to continue to develop myself as an instructional designer.