Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Professional Development
Publications
17

Tara King

University Place,WA

Summary

Offering unique blend of creativity and analytical skills, ready to thrive in dynamic learning environment. Brings strong foundation in educational theories and innovative design approaches. Ready to use and develop skills in instructional technology and curriculum development in a Senior Instructional Design role. Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Instructional Designer

Western Governors University
07.2022 - Current
  • Enhanced e-learning experience by designing interactive and engaging instructional materials.
  • Led cross-functional teams in the design and delivery of high-quality online courses, adhering to project management best practices and inclusive pedagogical approaches to meet diverse learner needs
  • Collaborated with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and stakeholders to develop accurate, relevant, and engaging course content with Generative AI.
  • Contributed to initiatives to enhance instructional design and faculty development, promoting equity and student success through effective teaching practices.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high-quality deliverables under tight deadlines.
  • Leveraged OEX, Canva, Teams, and other instructional technologies to create scalable, adaptive learning experiences that promote equitable access and support diverse learning styles
  • Designed and developed accessible, inclusive learning content that supports diverse learners, incorporating DEIB principles
  • Incorporated best practices in instructional design methodologies like UDL, backward design, and Agile into project workflows.

Evaluator (Composition and Professional Communication)

Western Governors University
02.2016 - 07.2022
  • Created a professional development course focused on supporting multilingual learners, promoting equity in assessment and instructional practices to foster an inclusive learning environment, while leveraging feedback for ongoing improvement
  • Evaluated course effectiveness and student outcomes, delivering actionable insights to inform continuous improvement in course design and delivery, enhancing overall learner success
  • Maintained a high degree of professionalism when dealing with sensitive information or challenging situations during the course of an evaluation.
  • Identified and addressed potential biases in evaluation processes, enhancing fairness and accuracy of assessments.

Associate Professor

Pierce College
09.2004 - 03.2024
  • Designed and delivered writing courses for diverse student populations, employing responsive teaching methods and inclusive pedagogical strategies to address varied learning needs to enhance engagement
  • Served as a Master Reviewer in the Quality Matters Program, collaborating with instructors across disciplines to ensure quality standards and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement
  • Evaluated course effectiveness and student outcome for continuous improvement in course design and delivery, enhancing overall learner success through data-driven decision-making
  • Integrated real-world examples into lessons, making course content more relevant and engaging for students.
  • Served on academic committees, contributing insights and expertise to enhance institutional policies and practices.
  • Developed students'' critical thinking skills through interactive classroom activities and discussions.
  • Kept abreast of advances in pedagogy and work to continuously improve teaching methods and introduce new approaches to instruction.

Education

Ed.D. - Curriculum & Instruction

University of Phoenix
02.2017

M.A. - Rhetoric & Composition

Murray State University
08.1999

B.A. - English

University of Tennessee
08.1997

Skills

  • Instructional Design & Curriculum Development: learner-centered curriculum, alignment, data-driven improvement; adult learning theory, UDL, backwards design, Section 508, WCAG
  • Generative AI in Course Design: content creation, efficiency, image creation, storyboarding
  • EdTech Solutions & Implementation: Canvas, Articulate Storyline, Open EdX, Canva, D2L
  • Stakeholder Engagement: collaboration, alignment of educational and institutional goals
  • Project Management: management of learning projects, effective planning, on-time delivery, schedule maintenance and recordkeeping
  • UX Principles in Learning: learner-friendly interfaces, engagement, accessibility, retention
  • Content Strategy & Development: creating instructional content in diverse formats, alignment with learning outcomes
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB): inclusive learning environments, equitable educational experiences, support for diverse and marginalized populations
  • Leadership: team building, training, coaching, development, job aid creation

Accomplishments

Awarded Faculty Innovation Champion 2024

Awarded Captain Behind the Cape Award 2024

Achieved Course Quality Metric scores between 3.5 and 4 (on a 4-point scale) on all released courses

Led team of 11 new IDs to successfully complete development of an IT program on time

Collaborated with stakeholders and SMEs to use Generative AI to overcome content access and accessibility challenges

Used MS Loop to organize team and ensure timely delivery of course developments

Certification

  • Quality Matters - Master Reviewer: https://qm.org

Professional Development

Black Support & Solidarity Statewide Forum

State Board of Community & Technical Colleges (2020)

Equity x Design Training

WGU (2023)

Individual Contributor Excellence (ICX) Training

WGU (2023)

Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT

Coursera (2023)

Liberatory Leadership Training

Technology Access Foundations (2024)

LinkedIn Learning (Various Topics)

  • Giving & Receiving Feedback
  • Communicating about Culturally Sensitive Issues
  • How to Design & Deliver Training Programs
  • SharePoint 2019 Essential Training: The Basics
  • Data Literacy: Exploring and Describing Data
  • How to Master Your Executive Presence
  • How to Research and Write Using Generative AI Tools
  • Brain-Based E-Learning Design
  • Articulate Storyline Essential Training
  • How to Give Feedback People Can Actually Use
  • Creating a Culture of Learning
  • What You Need to Know to Get Started with Your Training Program
  • Setting and Managing Realistic Expectations for Your L&D Program
  • Designing the Learner's Journey
  • Creating Inclusive Learning Experiences
  • Data-Driven Learning Design
  • Practical Success Metrics in Your Training Program
  • Motivating Your Team to Learn
  • Advancing Your Skills as an L&D Professional
  • Beyond the Basics: Designing AI Enhanced Learning Experiences
  • Infographic Design Theory: How the Market and Science Impact Success
  • Trauma-Informed Design

Publications

  • Training Seminar 'Writing Across the Curriculum'2003 Crown College
  • Roundtable: 'Pre-Course Placement Means Better Writers at All Levels'2005 On Common Ground (NCTE Annual Convention)
  • 'Stress-Less Instruction'2008 Kaplan University - Center for Teaching & Learning
  • 'Building a Foundation of QM at Pierce College'2013 QM Works! NW Regional Conference
  • 'Understanding Multi-Lingual Learners'2022 WGU - Storyline Articulate
Tara King