To kick off this article, I’ll highlight teachers’ top 10 strongest transferable skills. Following that, we’ll delve into other key transferable skills. This comprehensive list will demonstrate that teachers have a wealth of skills perfectly suited for instructional design. As you make the transition into an instructional designer, take heart – you already have many of the essential skills outlined below.

Here are the top 10 transferable skills:

1. Lesson Planning: Ability to design structured and coherent lessons that meet learning objectives.
2. Curriculum Development: Experience in creating comprehensive educational programs and materials.
3. Instructional Strategies: Knowledge of various teaching methods and techniques to facilitate learning.
4. Assessment Design: Skill in developing assessments that accurately measure student learning and progress.
5. Differentiated Instruction: Ability to tailor teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning needs and styles.
6. Classroom Management: Expertise in maintaining a productive and focused learning environment.
7. Educational Technology Integration: Proficiency in using technology to enhance learning experiences.
8. Learning Objectives Creation: Skill in defining clear, measurable goals for student learning.
9. Standards Alignment: Ability to align curriculum and instruction with educational standards and benchmarks.
10. Scaffolding Techniques: Expertise in providing support structures to help students build on prior knowledge and skills.

These skills are essential for both teaching and instructional design, as they are highly necessary for creating effective learning experiences.

Here’s how each of these top 10 teaching skills applies:

By leveraging these skills, instructional designers can ensure that learning materials are well-organized, targeted, and capable of meeting diverse learner needs.

1 – Lesson Planning: Instructional designers create detailed plans for courses and training programs. This involves mapping out learning activities, content, and resources to ensure cohesive and effective instruction.

2 – Curriculum Development: Comprehensive educational programs are crucial in instructional design. This includes defining content’s scope, sequence, and structure to meet learning objectives across different modules or courses.

3 – Instructional Strategies: Knowledge of diverse teaching methods is essential for designing engaging and effective instructional materials. Instructional designers select and apply appropriate strategies to cater to various learning styles and contexts.

4 – Assessment Design: Instructional designers develop assessments that align with learning objectives to evaluate learner progress and outcomes. This includes creating scenarios, observations, tests, application projects, practice performance assessments, and other evaluation tools.

5 – Differentiated Instruction: Understanding how to tailor content and instructional methods to meet the diverse needs of learners is key. Instructional designers create adaptable materials and provide options for different learning preferences and levels.

6 – Classroom Management: While not directly managing a classroom, instructional designers must create materials that facilitate a structured and engaging learning environment. This includes designing activities and content that keep learners focused and motivated.

7 – Educational Technology Integration: Proficiency in using technology to enhance learning is critical. Instructional designers incorporate multimedia, interactive tools, and online platforms to create dynamic and effective learning experiences.

8 – Learning Objectives Creation: Defining clear and measurable learning objectives is foundational in instructional design. These objectives guide content development and assessments, ensuring alignment with desired learning outcomes.

9 – Standards Alignment: Instructional designers ensure that curricula and materials align with educational standards, regulatory requirements, or industry benchmarks. This ensures the relevance and quality of the instructional content.

10 – Scaffolding Techniques: Providing learners with support structures to gradually build knowledge and skills is essential. Instructional designers create learning paths that progressively increase in complexity, helping learners to develop confidence and competence.

List of 100 transferable skills to add to your resume:

The skills developed in education are directly transferable and can be applied to many roles in Learning & Development.

1. Lesson Planning

• Teacher: Designing daily lessons with objectives, materials, activities, and assessments.
• Instructional Designer: Creating detailed instructional plans that outline the structure and content of courses or training programs to ensure coherence and effectiveness.

2. Curriculum Development

• Teacher: Developing comprehensive curricula that span entire courses, aligning with standards and learner needs.
• Instructional Designer: Crafting extensive educational programs, defining the scope and sequence of content to achieve learning goals.

3. Instructional Strategies

• Teacher: Employing various teaching methods to engage students and facilitate learning.
• Instructional Designer: Selecting and implementing effective instructional strategies to cater to different learning styles and ensure learner engagement.

4. Assessment Design

• Teacher: Creating tests, quizzes, and other evaluations to measure student learning.
• Instructional Designer: Developing assessments that align with learning objectives to evaluate learner progress and effectiveness of instruction.

5. Differentiated Instruction

• Teacher: Tailoring lessons to meet the diverse needs of students, including different learning styles and abilities.
• Instructional Designer: Designing adaptable instructional materials accommodating learners’ needs and preferences.

6. Classroom Management

• Teacher: Maintaining a productive and focused learning environment through effective management techniques.
• Instructional Designer: Creating structured materials and activities that facilitate a positive and engaging learning experience.

7. Educational Technology Integration

• Teacher: Incorporating technology tools like interactive whiteboards and educational software into lessons.
• Instructional Designer: Leveraging technology, including multimedia and online platforms, to enhance learning experiences and engagement.

8. Learning Objectives Creation

• Teacher: Setting clear, specific goals for what students should achieve by the end of a lesson or unit.
• Instructional Designer: Defining measurable learning objectives that guide content development and assessments, ensuring alignment with desired outcomes.

9. Standards Alignment

• Teacher: Ensuring lessons and activities meet state or national educational standards.
• Instructional Designer: Aligning instructional materials with educational or industry standards to ensure relevance and quality.

10. Scaffolding Techniques

• Teacher: Providing structured support to help students build on prior knowledge and gradually increase their skills.
• Instructional Designer: Designing instructional sequences that provide appropriate support and guidance, enabling learners to progressively build on existing knowledge and skills.

11. Formative Assessment

• Teacher: Conducting ongoing assessments to monitor student progress and provide feedback during the learning process.
• Instructional Designer: Creating formative assessments that give learners continuous feedback, helping them understand their progress and areas for improvement.

12. Summative Assessment

• Teacher: Administering final evaluations like exams or projects to measure overall student learning at the end of a unit or course.
• Instructional Designer: Developing summative assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional materials and overall learner achievement.

13. Feedback Delivery

• Teacher: Providing students with constructive feedback to help them improve and understand their performance.
• Instructional Designer: Designing feedback mechanisms that offer learners actionable insights to enhance their learning experience.

14. Student Engagement Strategies

• Teacher: Using various techniques to keep students interested and motivated in the classroom.
• Instructional Designer: Creating interactive and engaging content to maintain learner interest and motivation throughout the learning process.

15. Collaborative Learning

• Teacher: Facilitating group activities and projects that encourage teamwork and peer learning.
• Instructional Designer: Designing collaborative learning experiences that promote interaction and knowledge sharing among learners.

16. Project-Based Learning

• Teacher: Implementing projects that require students to apply knowledge and skills to real-world problems.
• Instructional Designer: Developing project-based activities that enhance critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in learners.

17. Active Learning Techniques

• Teacher: Encouraging students to participate actively in their learning through discussions, hands-on activities, and other interactive methods.
• Instructional Designer: Incorporating active learning techniques that require learners to engage deeply with the content and participate actively in the learning process.

18. Critical Thinking Development

• Teacher: Encouraging students to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information to develop critical thinking skills.
• Instructional Designer: Designing materials and activities that promote critical thinking and help learners develop analytical skills.

19. Problem-Solving Facilitation

• Teacher: Helping students develop problem-solving skills through challenging activities and real-life scenarios.
• Instructional Designer: Creating problem-solving tasks and scenarios that help learners apply their knowledge and skills in practical situations.

20. Data-Driven Instruction

• Teacher: Using student performance data to inform and adjust teaching methods and materials.
• Instructional Designer: Analyzing data to improve instructional design and ensure materials meet learner needs and achieve desired outcomes.

21. Student-Centered Learning

• Teacher: Focusing on the needs, interests, and abilities of students to guide instruction.
• Instructional Designer: Creating learner-centered materials that prioritize the preferences and needs of the target audience.

22. Learning Styles Adaptation

• Teacher: Adjusting teaching methods to accommodate various learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, etc.).
• Instructional Designer: Designing content that caters to different learning styles to ensure all learners can access and engage with the material effectively.

23. Instructional Media Design

• Teacher: Using various media, such as videos, graphics, and interactive tools, to support teaching.
• Instructional Designer: Creating and integrating multimedia elements enhances learning experiences and maintains learner engagement.

24. E-learning Platform Familiarity

• Teacher: Utilizing online platforms to deliver and manage course content and assignments.
• Instructional Designer: Developing and delivering instructional materials through e-learning platforms, ensuring ease of access and interaction for learners.

25. Course Evaluation

• Teacher: Assessing the effectiveness of lessons and courses to make improvements.
• Instructional Designer: Evaluating instructional materials and programs to ensure they meet learning objectives and are effective for learners.

26. Gamification in Learning

• Teacher: Applying game-like elements to lessons to make learning more engaging and fun.
• Instructional Designer: Designing learning experiences incorporating gamification to increase motivation and engagement.

27. Bloom’s Taxonomy Application

• Teacher: Using Bloom’s Taxonomy to structure learning objectives and ensure a progression of skills.
• Instructional Designer: Applying Bloom’s Taxonomy to create structured and leveled learning objectives that guide content development.

28. Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

• Teacher: Creating inclusive lessons that provide multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement.
• Instructional Designer: Designing materials that adhere to UDL principles, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all learners.

29. Rubric Creation

• Teacher: Developing rubrics to provide clear criteria for assessing student performance.
• Instructional Designer: Creating rubrics that clearly define assessment criteria, helping learners understand expectations and how to achieve them.

30. Visual Aids Design

• Teacher: Using visual aids to enhance understanding and retention of information.
• Instructional Designer: Designing visual aids that support and reinforce learning content, making complex information more accessible.

31. Interactive Learning Activities

• Teacher: Implementing activities that require active participation from students.
• Instructional Designer: Designing interactive activities that engage learners and promote active participation in the learning process.

32. Educational Resource Evaluation

• Teacher: Assessing the quality and relevance of educational materials and resources.
• Instructional Designer: Evaluating and selecting high-quality resources to ensure effective instructional materials align with learning objectives.

33. Multimedia Content Creation

• Teacher: Producing videos, audio recordings, and other multimedia to support teaching.
• Instructional Designer: Creating multimedia content that enhances the learning experience and caters to different learning preferences.

34. Educational Software Proficiency

• Teacher: Using software tools to create and deliver instructional materials.
• Instructional Designer: Proficiency in using educational software to design, develop, and deliver instructional content effectively.

35. Digital Literacy

• Teacher: Ensuring students can effectively use digital tools and resources.
• Instructional Designer: Designing materials that incorporate digital literacy skills, helping learners navigate and utilize digital tools effectively.

36. Video Production for Education

• Teacher: Creating educational videos to supplement lessons and provide visual explanations.
• Instructional Designer: Producing high-quality educational videos that support and enhance learning objectives.

37. Audio Editing for Instruction

• Teacher: Recording and editing audio content to support lessons.
• Instructional Designer: Creating and editing audio materials to provide clear and engaging instructional content.

38. Interactive Module Development

• Teacher: Developing self-paced modules that allow students to learn independently.
• Instructional Designer: Designing interactive modules that facilitate self-paced learning and provide opportunities for practice and assessment.

39. Learning Management System (LMS) Proficiency

• Teacher: Using LMS platforms to organize and deliver course content and track student progress.
• Instructional Designer: Leveraging LMS platforms to distribute instructional materials, track learner progress, and manage learning experiences.

40. Flipped Classroom Methodology

• Teacher: Implementing a teaching model where students engage with instructional content at home and practice skills in class.
• Instructional Designer: Designing materials for flipped classroom models, ensuring learners can access content before interactive sessions.

41. Virtual Classroom Management

• Teacher: Managing and facilitating virtual learning environments to ensure effective instruction.
• Instructional Designer: Creating and managing virtual learning environments that support engagement and interaction.

42. Online Discussion Facilitation

• Teacher: Moderating online discussions to encourage participation and deepen understanding.
• Instructional Designer: Designing and facilitating online discussions to enhance learner interaction and engagement.

43. Synchronous Learning Coordination

• Teacher: Organizing real-time learning sessions using digital tools.
• Instructional Designer: Planning and coordinating synchronous learning sessions to provide real-time instruction and interaction.

44. Asynchronous Learning Design

• Teacher: Creating materials for self-paced learning that students can access anytime.
• Instructional Designer: Designing asynchronous learning experiences that allow learners to engage with content at their own pace.

45. Web-Based Training Development

• Teacher: Developing online training programs for students or colleagues.
• Instructional Designer: Creating web-based training programs that are accessible and effective for a wide audience.

46. Mobile Learning Strategies

• Teacher: Using mobile devices to deliver instructional content and engage students.
• Instructional Designer: Designing learning experiences optimized for mobile devices, ensuring accessibility and convenience for learners.

47. Adult Learning Principles

• Teacher: Applying principles of adult learning to create relevant and engaging lessons for adult students.
• Instructional Designer: Designing materials that adhere to adult learning principles, ensuring they are relevant, practical, and engaging for adult learners.

48. Needs Analysis

• Teacher: Assessing student needs to inform instruction and support.
• Instructional Designer: Conducting needs assessments to identify learning requirements and inform the design of instructional materials.

49. Learning Experience Design (LXD)

• Teacher: Creating engaging and effective learning experiences through thoughtful lesson planning and execution.
• Instructional Designer: Focusing on designing comprehensive, immersive learning experiences that meet educational goals and engage learners.

50. Instructional Storyboarding

• Teacher: Planning lessons and activities visually to organize content and flow.
• Instructional Designer: Using storyboarding techniques to outline and organize instructional content, ensuring a coherent and logical progression.

51. Usability Testing

• Teacher: Testing instructional materials to ensure they are user-friendly and effective.
• Instructional Designer: Conducting usability testing to refine and improve instructional materials, ensuring they are accessible and easy to use.

52. User Experience (UX) Design in Education

• Teacher: Creating a positive and engaging learning environment for students.
• Instructional Designer: Applying UX design principles to create intuitive and engaging educational experiences.

53. Cognitive Load Management

• Teacher: Simplifying complex information to avoid overwhelming students.
• Instructional Designer: Designing materials that manage cognitive load, ensuring learners can process and retain information effectively.

54. Information Design

• Teacher: Presenting information clearly and effectively to enhance understanding.
• Instructional Designer: Designing instructional content that is visually clear and logically organized, facilitating better comprehension.

55. Concept Mapping

• Teacher: Using visual representations to help students understand and organize information.
• Instructional Designer: Creating concept maps that aid in understanding and organizing instructional content.

56. Learning Analytics Interpretation

• Teacher: Analyzing student performance data to improve instruction.
• Instructional Designer: Using learning analytics to inform and improve instructional design, ensuring materials meet learner needs.

57. Survey Design for Feedback

• Teacher: Creating surveys to gather feedback from students on their learning experiences.
• Instructional Designer: Designing surveys to collect feedback from learners, helping to improve instructional materials and approaches.

58. Performance Support Tools Creation

• Teacher: Developing tools and resources to support student learning and performance.
• Instructional Designer: Designing performance support tools that help learners apply knowledge and skills in real-world contexts.

59. Professional Development Delivery

• Teacher: Conducting training sessions for colleagues to share best practices and new strategies.
• Instructional Designer: Designing and delivering professional development programs that enhance skills and knowledge.

60. Training Program Management

• Teacher: Organizing and managing training programs for students or staff.
• Instructional Designer: Overseeing training programs, ensuring they are effectively implemented and meet learning objectives.

61. Educational Research Methods

• Teacher: Applying research methods to gather data and inform instructional practices.
• Instructional Designer: Using educational research to guide and improve instructional design, ensuring evidence-based practices.

62. Continuous Improvement Processes

• Teacher: Continuously seeking feedback and making adjustments to improve teaching methods.
• Instructional Designer: Implementing continuous improvement processes to refine instructional materials and ensure they are effective.

63. Learning Pathways Creation

• Teacher: Designing sequences of lessons that build on each other to achieve specific learning goals.
• Instructional Designer: Creating structured learning pathways that guide learners through progressively complex content.

64. Competency-Based Education

• Teacher: Focusing on developing specific skills and competencies in students.
• Instructional Designer: Designing materials that emphasize competency development, ensuring learners achieve specific skills and knowledge.

65. Content Curation

• Teacher: Selecting and organizing relevant materials and resources for lessons.
• Instructional Designer: Curating high-quality content that supports learning objectives and enhances instructional materials.

66. Instructional Material Localization

• Teacher: Adapting lessons to meet the cultural and language needs of diverse students.
• Instructional Designer: Localizing instructional materials to ensure they are culturally relevant and accessible to diverse audiences.

67. Digital Assessment Tools

• Teacher: Using digital tools to create and administer assessments.
• Instructional Designer: Designing assessments using digital tools to streamline the evaluation process and enhance accessibility.

68. Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATs)

• Teacher: Applying various assessment techniques to evaluate and improve student learning.
• Instructional Designer: Using CATs to gather data on learner performance and adjust instructional materials accordingly.

69. Peer Instruction Techniques

• Teacher: Encouraging students to teach and learn from each other.
• Instructional Designer: Designing activities that promote peer teaching and collaborative learning experiences.

70. Mentoring and Coaching

• Teacher: Providing guidance and support to students to help them achieve their goals.
• Instructional Designer: Creating mentoring and coaching programs that support learners and enhance their development.

71. Constructivist Teaching Methods

• Teacher: Using constructivist approaches to encourage active and experiential learning.
• Instructional Designer: Designing materials that support constructivist learning, allowing learners to build knowledge through experience and reflection.

72. Facilitation of Group Work

• Teacher: Organizing and managing group activities that promote collaboration.
• Instructional Designer: Creating group work activities that encourage teamwork and enhance learning through collaboration.

73. Inquiry-Based Learning

• Teacher: Encouraging students to ask questions and explore topics through inquiry.
• Instructional Designer: Designing inquiry-based activities that foster curiosity and critical thinking.

74. Socratic Questioning

• Teacher: Using questioning techniques to promote deep thinking and understanding.
• Instructional Designer: Incorporating Socratic questioning methods to encourage learners to think critically and explore concepts deeply.

75. Experiential Learning Design

• Teacher: Creating hands-on learning experiences that engage students in practical activities.
• Instructional Designer: Designing experiential learning opportunities that allow learners to apply knowledge in real-world contexts.

76. Reflective Practice

• Teacher: Encouraging students to reflect on their learning experiences to deepen understanding.
• Instructional Designer: Designing activities that promote reflective practice, helping learners to critically evaluate their experiences and growth.

77. Cultural Competence in Education

• Teacher: Creating lessons that respect and incorporate diverse cultural perspectives.
• Instructional Designer: Designing culturally competent materials that reflect and respect the diversity of learners.

78. Emotional Intelligence in Teaching

• Teacher: Considering students’ emotional needs and creating a supportive learning environment.
• Instructional Designer: Creating materials that acknowledge and address the emotional aspects of learning, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

79. Conflict Resolution

• Teacher: Addressing and resolving conflicts that arise in the classroom.
• Instructional Designer: Designing strategies and materials that help manage and resolve conflicts in learning environments.

80. Time Management

• Teacher: Planning and organizing lessons and activities to maximize learning time.
• Instructional Designer: Effectively managing project timelines and ensuring instructional materials are developed and delivered on schedule.

81. Organizational Skills

• Teacher: Keeping track of multiple tasks, assignments, and schedules.
• Instructional Designer: Organizing and managing various aspects of instructional design projects to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

82. Adaptability

• Teacher: Adjusting teaching methods and materials to meet changing student needs.
• Instructional Designer: Being flexible and adaptable in designing instructional materials to meet diverse learner needs and changing circumstances.

83. Analytical Thinking

• Teacher: Analyzing student performance data to inform instruction.
• Instructional Designer: Using analytical skills to evaluate and improve instructional materials and strategies.

84. Problem-Solving Skills

• Teacher: Addressing and solving classroom challenges and issues.
• Instructional Designer: Developing solutions to instructional design challenges to ensure effective learning experiences.

85. Creativity

• Teacher: Designing innovative lessons and activities to engage students.
• Instructional Designer: Applying creativity to develop engaging and effective instructional materials and experiences.

86. Attention to Detail

• Teacher: Ensuring accuracy and completeness in lesson plans and assessments.
• Instructional Designer: Paying attention to detail in the design and development of instructional materials to ensure quality and effectiveness.

87. Communication Skills

• Teacher: Clearly conveying information and instructions to students.
• Instructional Designer: Communicating effectively with stakeholders and learners to ensure instructional materials meet their needs and expectations.

88. Interpersonal Skills

• Teacher: Building positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Instructional Designer: Developing strong working relationships with team members and stakeholders to facilitate effective collaboration.

89. Collaboration

• Teacher: Working with colleagues to plan and deliver instruction.
• Instructional Designer: Collaborating with subject matter experts and other stakeholders to develop comprehensive instructional materials.

90. Leadership

• Teacher: Leading classroom activities and guiding students towards success.
• Instructional Designer: Leading instructional design projects and teams to ensure successful development and implementation of learning materials.

91. Public Speaking

• Teacher: Presenting information and leading discussions in front of students.
• Instructional Designer: Presenting instructional materials and training sessions to stakeholders and learners.

92. Technical Writing

• Teacher: Creating clear and concise instructional materials and assessments.
• Instructional Designer: Writing detailed and clear instructional content and documentation to support learning.

93. Research Skills

• Teacher: Conducting research to inform lesson planning and instruction.
• Instructional Designer: Using research skills to gather information and evidence to support the development of instructional materials.

94. Project Management

• Teacher: Managing classroom projects and activities to ensure timely completion.
• Instructional Designer: Overseeing instructional design projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within scope.

95. Resource Management

• Teacher: Allocating and managing resources effectively to support student learning.
• Instructional Designer: Managing resources efficiently to develop and deliver high-quality instructional materials.

96. Budget Management

• Teacher: Managing classroom budgets for materials and activities.
• Instructional Designer: Managing project budgets to ensure instructional design projects are completed within financial constraints.

97. Ethical Considerations in Education

• Teacher: Upholding ethical standards and practices in the classroom.
• Instructional Designer: Ensuring instructional materials and practices adhere to ethical standards and promote fairness and equity.

98. Continuous Learning

• Teacher: Engaging in ongoing professional development to improve teaching skills.
• Instructional Designer: Pursuing continuous learning opportunities to stay current with instructional design best practices and technologies.

99. Reflective Practice

• Teacher: Reflecting on teaching experiences to improve instruction.
• Instructional Designer: Reflecting on design experiences to continuously improve instructional materials and strategies.

100. Advocacy for Learning

• Teacher: Advocating for student needs and supporting their learning journey.
• Instructional Designer: Advocating for effective instructional practices and materials that support learner success.

---