Instructional Designer, Literacy

Instructional designers for literacy are responsible for designing, developing, and evaluating educational materials and programs that teach people how to read and write. They work with students of all ages, from preschoolers to adults, and they may specialize in a particular area of literacy, such as early childhood literacy, English as a Second Language (ESL), or adult literacy.

Skills and Knowledge

Instructional designers for literacy typically have a master's degree in education, curriculum and instruction, or a related field. They also have strong knowledge of literacy development and learning theories. In addition, they are proficient in using a variety of educational technologies and software.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

The day-to-day responsibilities of an instructional designer for literacy may include:

• Developing and evaluating educational materials
• Working with teachers and students to implement literacy programs
• Conducting research on literacy development and learning theories
• Developing and delivering professional development for teachers
• Collaborating with other professionals, such as speech-language pathologists and psychologists

Challenges

Instructional designers for literacy face a number of challenges, including:

• The need to stay up-to-date on the latest research on literacy development and learning theories
• The need to be able to work with students of all ages and backgrounds
• The need to be able to work independently and as part of a team
• The need to be able to meet deadlines and work under pressure

Projects

Instructional designers for literacy may work on a variety of projects, such as:

• Developing a new literacy curriculum for a school district
• Creating a professional development program for teachers on literacy instruction
• Conducting research on the effectiveness of a particular literacy program
• Developing an online literacy course for adults