3 Positions for which I
might be qualified...
1. Training and Resource Manager – DC Teaching Fellows
Washington, DC
According to the job posting at
http://www.careerbuilder.com/, "The New Teacher Project (TNTP) helps school districts and states fulfill the promise of public education by ensuring that all students—especially those from high-need communities—get excellent teachers." They are seeking a
Training and Resource Manager for our DC Teaching Fellows program. The responsibilities of this position include the following:
· Leading hiring, training, and managing of DCTF training staff
· Implementing TNTP’s curricular framework and materials based on District initiatives, culture, and organization
· Developing and implementing an operations and communications plan for the Training Institutes
· Planning for Training Institute opening and closing ceremonies including securing speakers, panelists, workshop presenters, etc.
· Assisting with the management of pre-Institute Fellow activities like school observations
· Recruiting, hiring, and training Cooperating Teachers to work with Fellows during both Institutes
· Ensuring Fellows meet the objectives of the Training Institute curriculum
· Ensuring students participating in our school program during Institute achieve rigorous academic goals
· Developing and maintaining relationships with District staff
· Ensuring that each group of participants becomes a well connected cohort of teachers with a positive culture
· Assessing faculty performance in order to continually improve Training Institute quality
· Overseeing Fellow performance management and evaluation
· Collecting, tracking, and analyzing Fellow performance data and trends
Support Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
· Acting as the main contact person for Fellow instructional concerns
· Providing and/or coordinating classroom observations for Fellows
· Producing and distributing monthly newsletters for the DCTF program
· Planning and facilitating regular professional development meetings during the school year
· Identifying development areas for struggling Fellows and developing targeted improvement plans
· Developing structures to ensure that Fellows fulfill our program mission of increasing student achievement
· Collaborating with the DC Practitioner Teacher Program (the licensure program for DCTF, also implemented by TNTP) to ensure a smooth transition from the pre-service training experience to the school year.
Although I am not experienced in the DC public schools, I am experienced in low-income, high need schools, and I am also have a specialization in training and development and adult learners. I see this position to be one that I could hopefully perform well.
2. Instructional Designer
Serco is seeking an Instructional Designer. This position listing details the following requirements in potential applicants:
US Citizenship required, 4 Year Degree, 5 to 7 years experience, masters degree preferred, bachelor’s degree required in Instructional Systems Design, Education, Training/Curriculum Development or related field, 5 to 7yrs of professional experience as an Instructional Designer, Consulting and interacting with clients to assess client needs and maintain client relationships, Master’s Degree preferred, Applying instructional design/curriculum development experience, Implementing change management solutions is a plus, Designing and implementing blended learning solutions is a plus, Federal Government experience is a plus.
According to the job description, the following tasks will be performed:
- Contributes to the design & development of leadership development programs.
- Performs job task analysis and curriculum design.
- Works under the supervision of the Project Manager to develop and document instructor-led, paper-based and technology delivered curricula or performance support solutions.
- Broad knowledge and creative application of principles of instructional design.
- Collaborate on training plans and blended learning implementation strategies.
- Strong consultation skills on design and development of course materials.
- Provide quality assurance and peer reviews on design plans and instructional materials.
- Create professional-level presentation materials.
- Regularly participate in meetings requiring close interactions with various project stakeholders, including clients, SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) and end-users.
- Maintain regular written and verbal communications with the client on the status of various training initiatives.
- Self-direct the work-load and track all work and schedules to ensure that all work is completed within scheduling and budgeting parameters.
- Produce quality results in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
- Knowledge of Project Management principles.
- Understanding of blended learning technologies is a plus.
- Broad knowledge of the field of leadership development and performance-centered design.
- Consulting to and supporting member of Federal government senior leadership.
As for my qualifications, I feel confident that I would meet most of these, including the master's degree in Training and Development. The description in the posting also included oral and written skills and ability to be flexible and basically work to one's best with whatever they are given. These are tasks I would feel confident to tackle.
3. Instructional Designer/e-Learning
Monster.com lists a postions from CTG, company currently assisting one of its premiere clients in staffing an Instructional Designer. The job involves planning and creating e-Learning content. The job post describes the primary job responsibilities to include "helping to identify learning objectives and creating storyboards (voiceover scripts, on-screen content, animation guidance) for Flash e-Learning modules while working closely with a team that includes a project manager, graphic designer, multimedia developer, and editor."
Skills Required:
- Instructional design
- Editorial competence
- Experience creating marketing content, animations and graphics
- Strong problem solving skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong skills and experience in designing and writing instructional content on technical topics
Experience developing scripts for voiceover purposes
Proficient editorial competence, with the ability to follow and apply the Style guidelines where appropriate
Knowledge of a typical e-Learning or documentation review process
Understanding of the role of instructional design/development in a product development process
Strong analytical problem determination/solving skills
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Self-motivated to seek information and clarification whenever needed, and incorporate that information into appropriate documentation
Ability to handle multiple tasks
Ability to work well in a team
High degree of organizational skills
Experience creating marketing content, animations and graphics preferred
What I notice in each of these jobs are requirements for individuals who are strong leaders, capable of working with others, and able to design creative instruction targeted at adult learners. It is exciting to see these opportunities even if I empathize with the author in the regard that so many ID positions are outside of the realm of academia. I looke forward to learning more about the different positions that are out there!
Online Self-Assessments
I found this activity so interesting! I really enjoyed checking out the different links and seeing what tools are out there for career building. As I began to stumble through the first few sites, I took an "Employability Indicator." This informed me that I am qualified for the job I have. Great! I am certain all of those parents of sixth graders would be glad to hear that. Yet what I found interesting about this test was that it also gave numbers on the current job trends in Texas as well as nationally. According to http://www.careeronestop.org/, jobs in instructional training and development are on the rise by 36%. I found this to be quite positive.
After completing the "Employability Indicator," I moved on to the assigned self-assessment. This was much longer and in-depth. It first in what field I would be seeking employment. I listed Training and Development. I soon found, after many lists of questions, that I am 80% qualified to work in this field. That's great in my opinion, because I am aware that I am lacking experience in years. The funny part comes next...I am 50% qualified to be a gaming change person or a booth cashier. This has never even crossed my mind, but I guess I know where to turn if I am ever in need of work! Interestingly enough, social studies teacher was not on the list.
