E71 - From English Language Teaching to Instructional Design (with Sharon Tjaden-Burkes)

The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast

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In this episode, co-hosts Shé and Anna sit down with Sharon Tjaden-Burkes, Senior Instructional Designer and founder of the IDEA Networking Sessions, to explore what it really takes to move from the English language classroom into instructional design. 🎙️

Sharon shares a candid look at what sparked her transition, the emotional toll of adjunct life, the joy of upskilling through tinkering and tech tools, and how her teaching background became a superpower in her new role. 🎯💻

Whether you're already eyeing a move into L&D or still wondering if it’s even possible, this conversation is packed with realistic advice, reflective insights, and hard-won encouragement. Sharon reminds us that sustainable careers are not just about the paycheck—they're about peace, purpose, and knowing your worth. 🌱

💡 Reflect with us:

What part of your teaching role feels unsustainable—and what might that be telling you?
What are your non-negotiable values in your next career move?

Are you open to trusting others in collaborative work, or are you still holding up the sky solo?

What other teaching-adjacent roles would you like to learn more about?

🧰 Resources & Tools:

IDEA Networking Sessions – Free monthly Zoom meetups for transitioning teachers: Join here
PowerDirector by Cyber Link– Sharon’s go-to video editing software
Camtasia – Screen recording and editing tool

Articulate Storyline & Rise – Industry-standard authoring tools for e-learning

Sakai, Canvas, Blackboard – LMS examples used to demonstrate Sharon’s course design

🧭 Related Episodes:

Just for fun:

Why Some of Us Don’t Have One True Calling | Emilie Wapnick | TED
Anna actually gifted Shé Emily’s book, How to Be Everything: A Guide for Those Who (Still) Don't Know What They Want to Be When They Grow Up a few years ago. It’s a useful guide that helps you reframe your professional narrative and unique skillset. Definitely recommend picking it up if you’re thinking of a change, or curious about what it means to be a multipotentialite.

🎙 This episode is sponsored by Ellii

Use code THINKALOUD for 15% off your first membership term.

Admins can also request a two-month free trial to pilot Ellii for your program.

#ELTtoID #InstructionalDesign #TeacherTransition #ID #L&D #LearningandDevelopment #ReflectiveTeaching #OnlineLearningDesign #TeacherThinkAloud #LDtools #TeacherSustainability #CareerPivot #WomenInEdTech

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