From Classroom to Corporate: Why Teachers Are Your Next Instructional Designers

If you’ve been paying attention to the job market lately, you might have noticed a significant trend: experienced teachers are leaving the classroom to pursue careers in Instructional Design. The reasons are complex, but they typically boil down to a desire for improved work-life balance and a more respected professional setting.

Many people assume teaching is an "easy job" (those who can't do, teach, right?) with short days and long summers. In reality, a teacher’s day often begins long before the first bell and extends well into the evening. Summers aren’t a paid vacation; they're a time for many educators to work a second job, catch up on professional development, or simply try to recover from the exhaustion of the school year. The misconception that teaching is easy often leads to a deeper, more painful reality: many teachers feel disrespected and burnt out, and when they seek new opportunities, their skills are often misunderstood and overlooked.

So, what does a day in the life of a modern teacher actually look like?

My day, for instance, starts well before the sun rises. Once the students arrive, my classroom becomes a whirlwind of organized chaos. I might be teaching three different clefs of music to a group of 20-50 young students playing four different instruments, all while simultaneously fielding a constant stream of questions, helping a student who was absent for 4 days, and handling an unexpected medical emergency. I'm actively repairing a broken instrument while explaining a musical concept, all while trying to keep everyone engaged. I have to know every student's needs from their IEP and 504 plans and be prepared to respond to any situation at a moment’s notice, including knowing all relevant medical information for every student at all times.

This is a master class in efficiency. There are no “breaks” in a school day. My 30-minute lunch is a sprint to microwave food, answer parent emails, and squeeze in a restroom break before the next class arrives. We have to be "on" at all times because our students’ safety and learning depend on it. And we care and know about and listen to each and every member of the classroom.

This environment is also where we become expert User Experience (UX) designers. A teacher knows how to anticipate every possible problem and build in redundancy. We create backups for uncharged devices, make content accessible, and scaffold lessons to ensure every student can succeed. A teacher who has designed an experience for a diverse classroom of 30 students, each with unique needs, is already an expert in human-centered design.

Moving into Instructional Design has been a liberating experience for me. For the first time, I had the space to sit, breathe, and intentionally solve a problem without the constant pressure of a bell. It was also a struggle, as I had to actively unlearn the survival mindset of the classroom and retrain myself to slow down and truly plan out experiences. While Instructional Design has its own strict deadlines and a fast pace, the ability to thrive under pressure is a skill a teacher instinctively understands and can easily apply to any environment.

Teachers are also incredibly resourceful. Most of the educators I know who made the transition did so on free 14 or 30-day trials of software and subscriptions they couldn’t afford, just so they could begin to build a portfolio and showcase their skills. We find a way to make it work, often without a budget or a team to back us up.

Many people advised me not to talk about my teaching experience, or to avoid making connections between teaching children and adults. But I’ve found there’s a powerful gift in this transition, and it's the ability to carry what I’ve learned forward instead of leaving it behind. It required extensive reflection to see the bigger picture, take inventory of my skills, identify the gaps, and build the new knowledge necessary to thrive as a Learning Designer. And as a lifelong learner with a growth mindset (something most teachers embody), I am still continuing to look for ways to deepen my knowledge, hone my skills, and build connections. This process genuinely excites me, and even after long days in the classroom, I eagerly anticipate diving into my next project from my home office in the evening.

If you’re hiring for a role that requires a quick learner, someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, or a professional who deeply understands the user’s needs, consider hiring a teacher. We are resilient, adaptable, and armed with a unique, firsthand understanding of what it takes to design a truly incredible learning experience. We are not just looking for a new job; we are bringing a powerful and valuable skillset to the table.