The #1 Best Career for Former Teachers in 2024

Devlin Peck
24 May 202217:12
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script introduces instructional design as a promising career path for current or former teachers seeking better work-life balance, higher pay, and remote work opportunities. Devlin Peck, an experienced instructional designer, shares insights on why this field is ideal for teachers, highlighting the satisfaction with work-life balance reported by 94% of instructional designers surveyed. The average compensation is noted to be around $85k in the U.S., with potential for higher earnings and freelance opportunities. Peck emphasizes the creative aspect of the job, the ability to help people learn, and the versatility in subject matter. However, he also points out that unlike teaching, instructional designers often work behind the scenes and may not have direct contact with learners. Transitioning into the field requires upskilling, particularly in technology, and building a portfolio to stand out in the competitive job market. Peck offers resources and advice on making a successful transition, suggesting a timeline of six months to a year for upskilling and finding a role.

Takeaways
  • 📚 **Work-Life Balance**: Instructional design offers a better work-life balance compared to traditional teaching roles, with a more regular 9-to-5 schedule and less stress.
  • 💰 **Higher Earning Potential**: Teachers transitioning into instructional design often earn more, with average compensation in the US being around $85k, and potential for higher salaries with more experience.
  • 🏡 **Remote Opportunities**: The field of instructional design is increasingly offering remote work opportunities, which aligns with the preferences of many teachers post-pandemic.
  • 🎨 **Creativity**: Instructional design allows for creativity similar to teaching, enabling the design of engaging learning experiences and resources.
  • 🤝 **Collaboration with SMEs**: Instructional designers work closely with subject matter experts to create effective learning materials, leveraging the expertise of others in their field.
  • 📈 **Versatility**: Instructional designers can work across various industries and subject matters, making the role adaptable and diverse.
  • 📈 **Portfolio Building**: A strong portfolio is crucial for showcasing skills and experience to potential employers in the instructional design field.
  • 🚫 **Limited Direct Interaction**: Unlike teaching, instructional designers may not have direct, regular contact with learners, which could be a downside for those who thrive on student interaction.
  • 🧑‍🎓 **Adult Learning Focus**: Instructional design typically involves creating learning experiences for adults, which may not appeal to those who prefer working with children.
  • 💼 **Transitional Effort**: Transitioning into instructional design requires time and effort to upskill, particularly in technical areas and understanding the field's language and requirements.
  • 📈 **Growing Field**: The demand for instructional designers is growing, especially with the shift towards online and self-paced e-learning, presenting a promising career path for those who invest in the transition.
Q & A
  • What is the main reason former teachers are interested in transitioning to a career in instructional design?

    -Former teachers are interested in instructional design primarily due to the improved work-life balance, better pay, and increased remote work opportunities it offers.

  • What is the average total compensation for instructional designers in the US, according to the survey mentioned in the script?

    -The average total compensation for instructional designers in the US is $85,000.

  • What is the role of an instructional designer in a corporate setting?

    -In a corporate setting, an instructional designer creates learning experiences and resources to help employees perform their jobs more efficiently or effectively.

  • Why might some teachers find the transition to instructional design less appealing?

    -Some teachers might find the lack of direct contact with learners and the behind-the-scenes nature of the role less appealing, as they may prefer the hands-on interaction and immediate feedback of a traditional classroom setting.

  • What is the typical process an instructional designer goes through when creating learning materials?

    -The process involves working with subject matter experts, writing content such as scripts or storyboards, and then developing the content using e-learning authoring tools or video editing software.

  • What are some of the skills that teachers already possess that are beneficial in instructional design?

    -Teachers possess many of the necessary skills for instructional design, including the ability to create lesson plans, understand learning objectives, and facilitate learning, which can be reframed for the new role.

  • What is the importance of building a portfolio when transitioning to a career in instructional design?

    -A portfolio is crucial as it showcases the skills and experience of the candidate, setting them apart from other applicants and demonstrating their capability to potential employers.

  • Why is it recommended to not apply for an entry-level instructional design role without first upskilling?

    -Upskilling increases the chances of securing a higher-level role and shows potential employers a commitment to the field. It also helps to stand out in a competitive job market where many applicants may lack the necessary skills.

  • What is the general timeline for upskilling and transitioning into a career in instructional design?

    -The general timeline for upskilling and transitioning into instructional design can range from two to three months to a year, with an average of six months.

  • What are some of the common misconceptions about the role of an instructional designer?

    -Some common misconceptions include the belief that instructional designers have a lot of direct contact with learners, or that transitioning into the role requires expensive certifications or further schooling.

  • How has the pandemic influenced the field of instructional design?

    -The pandemic has accelerated the shift towards online and self-paced e-learning, increasing the demand for instructional designers who can facilitate this transition.

  • What advice does the speaker give for someone considering a career in instructional design?

    -The speaker advises investing time in upskilling, creating a portfolio, and reframing one's experience in the context of instructional design to increase the chances of a successful transition into the field.

Outlines
00:00
📚 Introduction to Instructional Design for Teachers

The video introduces the concept of instructional design as a career option for current or former teachers seeking better work-life balance, higher pay, and remote work opportunities. The speaker, Devlin Peck, shares his experience as an instructional designer since 2017 and discusses how he has helped teachers transition into this field. He highlights the benefits of instructional design, including improved work-life balance, higher earning potential, and the ability to work remotely. The video also provides an overview of what instructional design entails and why it is a suitable career for teachers.

05:01
🎓 Skills and Transitioning into Instructional Design

This paragraph discusses the skills that teachers already possess that are transferable to instructional design and the upskilling process required. Devlin emphasizes that teachers do not need to go back to school or acquire expensive certifications to transition into instructional design. He outlines the process of creating learning experiences and resources, typically in a corporate setting, to help people perform their jobs better. The role involves working with subject matter experts, writing content, and using e-learning authoring tools for development. Devlin also touches on the differences between teaching and instructional design, such as the lack of direct contact with learners in the latter.

10:03
🚧 Challenges and Considerations for Teachers

Devlin addresses potential challenges teachers might face when transitioning into instructional design. He mentions that instructional designers often work behind the scenes, which might be a significant change for teachers accustomed to direct interaction with students. He also notes that instructional design typically involves creating learning experiences for adults, not children, which might not appeal to everyone. Furthermore, he warns that transitioning into instructional design requires a commitment to learning new technical skills and building a portfolio, which can set candidates apart in the job market. Devlin advises against relying solely on traditional teaching resumes when applying for instructional design roles.

15:04
🌟 Success Stories and Resources for Aspiring Instructional Designers

The final paragraph shares success stories of teachers who have successfully transitioned into instructional design roles, such as Joanna Cappuccilli at Amazon Web Services and Alex Drobik at Fidelity. Devlin provides encouragement and resources, including a playlist and checklist, to help others make the transition. He emphasizes the growing demand for instructional designers, especially since the pandemic has accelerated the shift to online learning. He invites viewers to engage with the community for support and to ask questions about their transition into the field.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Instructional Design
Instructional Design refers to the systematic process of creating learning experiences and resources to help people improve their job performance. It is the main theme of the video, as it discusses the potential for teachers to transition into this field. The video mentions that instructional designers create materials such as e-learning courses, job aids, and checklists to facilitate better understanding and efficiency in the workplace.
💡Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is the equilibrium between an individual's work responsibilities and personal life. In the context of the video, it is highlighted as a significant benefit of switching to instructional design from teaching, with 94% of surveyed instructional designers expressing satisfaction with their work-life balance. This is contrasted with the more demanding and time-consuming nature of teaching.
💡Remote Opportunities
Remote opportunities refer to the ability to work from home or any location outside of a traditional office setting. The video emphasizes the growing trend of remote work in instructional design, which was accelerated by the pandemic. This offers flexibility and is appealing to teachers who may have experienced the benefits of remote work and wish to continue in such roles.
💡Earning Potential
Earning potential denotes the possible income one can earn in a particular job or career. The video discusses how teachers transitioning into instructional design often experience an increase in their earning potential, with average total compensation for instructional designers in the US being $85k, and opportunities for higher salaries with more experience or in freelance roles.
💡Portfolio
A portfolio is a collection of an individual's work that showcases their skills and accomplishments. In the video, building a portfolio is presented as a critical step for teachers transitioning into instructional design. It serves as evidence of their capabilities and helps set them apart from other applicants, demonstrating their practical experience and creative problem-solving skills.
💡Upskilling
Upskilling is the process of acquiring new skills or improving existing ones to enhance employability. The video outlines that while teachers possess many of the foundational skills for instructional design, they will need to upskill in areas such as technology used in the field. This involves learning new technical skills and revising resumes and interview techniques to align with the expectations of instructional design roles.
💡Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
Subject Matter Experts are individuals who have extensive knowledge in a particular area. In the context of instructional design, SMEs are collaborators who help instructional designers understand the content and tasks that need to be taught. The video explains that instructional designers work closely with SMEs to create effective learning materials.
💡E-Learning Authoring Tools
E-Learning authoring tools are software applications used to create digital educational content. The video mentions that after instructional designers write content, they typically use e-learning authoring tools or video editing software to develop the learning materials. These tools are instrumental in creating interactive and engaging e-learning courses.
💡Creative Side
The creative side of instructional design involves using imagination and original ideas to solve problems and create engaging learning experiences. The video emphasizes that teachers can leverage their creativity in instructional design, similar to how they might in lesson planning or classroom activities, but in a less stressful environment.
💡Learning Management System (LMS)
A Learning Management System is a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, and delivery of educational courses, training programs, or learning and development programs. The video discusses how instructional designers put their created content onto an LMS, which is then used by a large number of people, providing a scalable solution for training and education.
💡Skills Gap
A skills gap refers to the difference between the skills that an individual or workforce has and the skills that are required by employers. In the video, it is mentioned that teachers transitioning to instructional design may have a skills gap, particularly in the technology used in the field. Addressing this gap is essential for a successful transition into instructional design roles.
Highlights

Instructional design offers a career with better work-life balance, potentially higher pay, and more remote opportunities for former teachers.

Devlin Peck, an instructional designer since 2017, has helped many teachers transition successfully into this field.

Survey of 700 instructional designers shows 94% are satisfied or very satisfied with their work-life balance.

Instructional design is often a nine-to-five job, reducing the stress and workload commonly experienced by teachers.

The average total compensation for instructional designers in the US is $85k, with potential for higher earnings.

Freelance opportunities in instructional design offer flexibility and high earning potential.

The field of instructional design is increasingly offering remote work opportunities, even post-pandemic.

Instructional designers get to be creative in their work, similar to how teachers plan their lessons.

Teachers transitioning into instructional design can still have a rewarding career by helping people learn.

Many of the skills teachers already possess are transferable to instructional design, requiring less starting from scratch.

Instructional design involves creating learning experiences and resources to improve job performance.

Instructional designers work with subject matter experts to understand tasks and processes for creating effective learning materials.

A significant part of instructional design involves writing content, which can then be developed using e-learning authoring tools.

Instructional designers may not have direct contact with learners, working more behind the scenes.

Some teachers may find the shift from direct classroom interaction to designing for adults a challenge.

Transitioning to instructional design requires upskilling, particularly in technology and e-learning authoring tools.

Building a portfolio is crucial for standing out in the job market and showcasing one's skills in instructional design.

Reframing experience and using the right language on resumes and in interviews is key to a successful transition into instructional design.

The instructional design field is growing rapidly, especially with the shift towards online and self-paced e-learning post-pandemic.

Transcripts
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