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

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 herePowerDirector by Cyber Link– Sharon’s go-to video editing softwareCamtasia – Screen recording and editing toolArticulate Storyline & Rise – Industry-standard authoring tools for e-learningSakai, Canvas, Blackboard – LMS examples used to demonstrate Sharon’s course design🧭 Related Episodes:E 60 - From teaching to materials writing: a chat with Ellii (with Ben Buckwold and Tara Benwell)E 35 - Be brave enough to say ‘I don’t know’ (with Lina Jurkunas)E 16 - It’s okay to just existE 15 - So you’ve lost your zest for teachingJust for fun:Why Some of Us Don’t Have One True Calling | Emilie Wapnick | TEDAnna 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 ElliiUse 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