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Is instructional design ideal for former teachers?

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Atif’s Answer

Why not? People from different backgrounds can join instructional design. I have seen former graphic designers, marketers, and teachers in the field. Teachers can be a natural fit based on their passion and training. If you have a passion for instructional design, then take some courses and do some volunteer projects to get a feel of it.





Atif recommends the following next steps:

Take some intro courses or training
Do some internship
See if you want to have a deeper dive
Get formal education
Enjoy your passion :)
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Maeve’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team

I don't see why not!! Teachers get great training in many transferrable skills that can be applied to instructional design. As a teacher, you learn about how to create learning objectives, assessments and experiences for students. You learn effective ways to measure/track learning progress and practice the art of different delivery methods. These skills you develop while teaching can absolutely be used in a career in instructional design.

You ask if instructional design is "ideal" for former teachers and I want to point out that it will be ideal as long as it is something you are really interested in! If you are making a change in career paths, first make sure to think about what you really want in a new position and worry less about if it "makes sense" for a former teacher. When applying to jobs outside of teaching, know that many employers in different industries see the value in hiring former teachers. Teaching is a very dynamic job where you learn a lot of essential skills that can be used in other professions and you can market yourself to be a desirable candidate in plenty of different fields. I want to emphasize the importance of taking time to decide if this career is ideal for YOU and your interests, and don't worry about how it sounds for a former teacher. Once you make that decision about what new path you want to follow, then you can work on how to use what you have learned in a teaching role and take it somewhere new!

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Edie’s Answer

This could be an ideal fit for you depending upon the type of work within teaching you enjoy. Did you enjoy the curriculum design or was in more the live interaction of delivering the teaching?
I have worked in the adult education field and have found that many teachers enjoy this type of work.
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Angie’s Answer

The fact that you're seeking advice indicates a potential passion for curriculum development. Many have pointed out that enjoying the curriculum design process is crucial. Personally, I found transitioning from in-person teaching to curriculum design rewarding as it allowed me to influence the core part of learning. As a teacher, you often deliver lessons based on another person's syllabus and textbook. However, as an Instructional Designer (ID), you have the power to identify students' needs and craft a curriculum that helps them achieve their goals. You're solving a strategic puzzle.

I entered this field by initially working as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in graphic design. But you don't need to be an SME in the subject you're designing for. That's where collaboration with other SMEs comes in. I've designed programs for Sales, AI, and cybersecurity, areas where I don't have direct expertise. This role also provides opportunities to learn new things, which most instructional designers, including myself, find appealing. Moreover, being organized is vital in this role, a trait most instructional designers I know possess.
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Vaidehi’s Answer

I have seen some teachers leaving the role after some time and some loving the switch. Some require the subject matter expertise for example database knowledge or whatever they are building on. If you are a technical person with some computer background or if company is willing to train a non technical person and if you like it, it would work. It really depends on the company and the type of role you are getting hired for and your comfort level. I would ask a lot of questions and make sure if learning is possible and their expectations.
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Nancy’s Answer

It could be. While teaching puts you in the front of the classroom, instructional designers work more "behind the scenes". Think about where you might want to do instructional design. Are you interested in doing that type of work in a school/academic setting? Or are you interested in a corporate or business environment? There are difference between instructional design when your target audience is children learning in school versus adults learning in the workplace. Many instructional designer do a lot of writing of training material. Many also work with e-learning tools to create online courses.
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Gloria’s Answer

Hi Britteny,

Yes, many times yes. Why do I feel so strongly about it? As an instructional designer, you are creating training that others need to teach. I find that instructional designers who have never stood at the front of a class, they don’t do well designing in-person training. They don’t have any idea of how long activities take or the challenge of a class that asks a lot of questions. I always prefer to work on training with a peer who has seen students struggle with learning in any form. I believe that it gives designers the empathy to make sure that the training is flexible for all learners. I have peers who have never taught and they can do good work. Impactful leader-led training is much more challenging for them.

Gloria
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