My name is Kelly Watson and I’m from Chicago, Illinois. I’m currently a fourth-year teacher at an International Baccalaureate high school within the Chicago Public School system. I teach English, Journalism-Yearbook, and I’m the JV softball coach. I received my bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Secondary Education with a minor in history from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I am now pursuing an M.Ed. in instructional Design and Educational Technology at the American College of Education. 

As an educator for the last four years, I’ve learned that teaching is more than just delivering content; it’s about creating content and experiences that are engaging and equitable. This experience has provided a great foundation and ignited my passion for instructional design. As an emerging instructional designer, I aim to utilize a myriad of digital tools in my instructional design process to enhance learning experiences for all. I’m well versed in Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Canva, PowerPoint, design and publishing sites like YearbookAvenue, and all Google Workspace platforms. Through this Master’s program, I hope to learn more about the process of learning and how it can be used to maximize learner buy-in and retention. 

As a yearbook adviser and coach I’ve been able to develop strong skills in project management, collaboration, and flexibility. Teaching and working with tools like Adobe suite and YearbookAvenue in my yearbook classes has given me invaluable experience as an instructional designer focusing on technology. Through these experiences, I see more and more how effective instructional design using digital tools can enhance and streamline learning. My goal is to connect my experience as an educator in all facets to instructional design and educational technology for both K-12 and adult learning environments.