From Teacher to Learning Designer: My Journey at The American College of Greece

It’s been almost three years since I earned my teaching license, and I’m thrilled to be working in an international school. Honestly, I never expected to find myself teaching in a brick-and-mortar classroom so quickly after completing my training program. My original plan was to use my license primarily for online teaching and tutoring. As an expat whose family frequently relocates, I needed a flexible career that could move with me. Teaching and tutoring seemed like the perfect solution—my teaching qualification was just the bonus!

This could be me during the workday in the very near future…

After a year of teaching primary students and now approaching two years in lower secondary education, I’ve decided to take a new step in my professional journey. Reflecting on my time in the classroom, I’ve discovered that my true passion lies in the creation and development of curriculum. If I had my way, I’d spend all my time crafting lesson plans and designing educational materials—though, as any teacher knows, there’s never enough time for that! I’ve always been a creative person, eager to learn new skills, especially when it comes to technology, and I enjoy working on structured projects with clear outcomes. This passion naturally led me to explore the field of learning design.

After plenty of research, I found an incredible opportunity to pursue a degree in Learning Design and Technology at The American College of Greece. The fact that this program is offered online made it a perfect fit for my lifestyle. Plus, as I’m married to a Greek citizen, it felt like a natural choice. So, here I am—diving into a master’s program this fall!

Am I crazy for balancing full-time teaching, master’s coursework, parenting two kids, and living abroad with no nearby family support? Absolutely! But I’ve always been someone who thrives on challenges and loves working toward the next goal. I enjoy preparing for the future and keeping my mind active. So far, it’s been manageable—let’s hope it stays that way!

As I continue my studies and develop as a learning designer, I plan to share my progress and projects here. Stay tuned as I blend my experience as a teacher with new insights into instructional design and curriculum development.

Wish me luck on this exciting journey!