Matthew Johnson's Blog: From Teacher to Instructional Designer: 8 Questions with Travis Thurston

8 QUESTIONS is a series of interviews with teachers who have effectively transitioned their classroom skills into new and exciting careers in the field of education. We at Teach.com believe that teaching is a rigorous and diverse classroom in and of itself; the skills learned “in the trenches” can translate into an exciting portfolio of professional options. From education tech to consulting, the only “X factor” is where you want to go — our interviews hope to shine a light on the steps it takes to get there.

1. What’s your name, location and current profession?

My name is Travis Thurston, and I’m the Sr. Instructional Designer in the Center for Innovative Design and Instruction at Utah State University. I’m also a part-time student working on a PhD in Education with a specialization in Curriculum & Instruction at USU.

2. Where did you earn your teaching certification and where did you go to school?

I earned my B.A. in History Teaching with a minor in PE/Coaching at Utah State University, and later a Master’s of Educational Technology (M.E.T.) with a graduate certificate in Online Teaching at Boise State University.

3. How long were you a teacher for?

I taught high school history and pe courses for 3 years, before becoming an Instructional Designer. Although I’m no longer a K12 teacher, I’ve had the opportunity to teach courses at USU. I’ve really enjoyed teaching as an adjunct for both the Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences department, and the Teacher Education and Leadership department at USU.

4. What was the most rewarding part of being a classroom teacher? What about classroom teaching did you find most challenging?

The most rewarding part of being a classroom teacher was being around the kids. I taught students in 9-12th grades, and it’s such a fun time in their lives. I truly felt like I had the chance to positively influencing their lives, and to help them become critical thinkers and life-long learners.

The most challenging aspect, especially as a new teacher was trying to find the time to get everything done. I think most teachers can agree that between planning and grading for several preps it can be quite time consuming and emotionally draining.

5. Why did you decide to transition from classroom teaching to your current profession?

I never really intended on leaving secondary education, but because of some unforeseen circumstances (and opportunities), I found my way into instructional design while working on my Master’s degree in EdTech at Boise State. I now get to work in a professional setting on a university campus, and I work with instructors to empower teaching excellence.

6. What is the best part of being an instructional designer?

The best part of being an instructional designer is working directly with instructors through 1on1 consulting, and organizing and carrying out professional development events. I enjoy sharing effective teaching strategies to improve instruction, whether it’s introducing a new teaching method, or demonstrating how to use available features and tools in the LMS. My passion still lies in teaching, so helping our instructors improve their own teaching for the students here at USU is quite fulfilling.

If I can list a second item, I’m also part of an amazing team of instructional designers that I get to collaborate with everyday. It’s amazing to me how each member of our team brings a unique skill set that makes them a valuable and integral member.

7. What skills did you gain from classroom teaching that have allowed you to excel in your current profession?

Having an education in teaching, and having firsthand experience in the trenches teaching students gives me informed perspectives that influence my instructional design. Many of the university level instructors have no background in education or teaching. They are experts in their respective fields, but are in need of specific teaching methods and strategies to implement in their classrooms. I am able to relate to time spent prepping, grading, and interacting with students. Without a doubt, being a classroom teacher provided me with the educational perspectives I need to excel as an instructional designer.

8. What advice would you offer a current teacher who is looking to make a career change to outside of the classroom?

It seems a bit cliché, but if you’re looking to make a career change make sure you incorporate your passion. For me, teaching and education are my passion, and I still have my hand in education by designing instruction and training instructors.

Start networking now, and participate in the educational conversations happening on social media. I highly recommend utilizing LinkedIn and Twitter to network and create a personalized professional development network.

Travis Thurston is the Sr. Instructional Designer in the Center for Innovative Design and Instruction at Utah State University. Travis is currently developing the Empowering Teaching Excellence series (@EmpowerTeaching) for faculty development at USU. He and his colleague Kenneth Larsen were recent recipients of a $10,000 2015 Canvas Grant for student-centered learning. In addition to presenting CanvasLive webinar sessions on gamification and instructional design, he is a frequent presenter at local and national conferences. He also writes about gamification on Edudemic, and about instructional design on eLearning Industry.

Travis is also currently pursuing a PhD in Education with a specialization in Curriculum & Instruction in the Teacher Education and Leadership program at Utah State University. You can connect with him on LinkedIn, and follow him on Twitter: @travesty328.

Matthew Johnson's Blog

Thursday, November 5, 2015

From Teacher to Instructional Designer: 8 Questions with Travis Thurston