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Peck Academy
Instructional Design Professional Certification
Instructional Designer
Davis combined his teaching background with innovative AI design, developing a standout portfolio that’s already generating interviews and opening doors in the ID job market.
Davis Rideout began his career in education and later moved into recruiting and communications, where he discovered his passion for designing experiences that help people learn and grow. Despite success in those roles, he felt pulled toward instructional design: a field that would allow him to merge creativity, technology, and learner-focused problem solving.
After teaching himself through online resources, Davis realized he needed a structured path to make the career leap. Joining the ID Bootcamp—and later Peck Academy—gave him the clarity, tools, and professional network he needed to create meaningful projects and a strong portfolio. “I love building new things and rarely pass up the opportunity to help shape something meaningful,” he shares.
Now, Davis is confidently entering the job market, with interviews lined up and a portfolio that highlights not only his design skills but also his innovative use of AI.
For his flagship project, Davis designed an interactive learning experience that teaches gentle parenting strategies—a topic close to his heart and highly relevant to modern families. He recognized a gap: many parents want to adopt more empathetic approaches but lack accessible, engaging resources to guide them.
To bring this vision to life, Davis used OpenArt AI to generate custom visuals that supported his scenarios. This not only gave the project a cohesive, learner-friendly design but also showcased how AI can be harnessed responsibly in instructional design. Davis even co-facilitated an event to help peers explore OpenArt, sharing both the creative potential and ethical considerations of AI in learning design.
His design approach blended scenario-based learning, clear scaffolding, and emotionally resonant visuals. The result was a project that demonstrated both technical skill and an empathetic understanding of learners’ needs.
“Integrating AI into my project allowed me to create a more immersive, realistic experience for learners—and showed me how these tools can elevate instructional design when used thoughtfully.”
Davis’s journey through the Academy didn’t just result in one standout project: it helped him develop a polished, professional portfolio and the confidence to step into the instructional design market. His website showcases his flagship project alongside his story, making it easy for hiring managers to see both his skills and his perspective as a designer.
As Davis began sharing his portfolio, LinkedIn presence, and story with employers, traction followed. He’s now landing interviews and connecting with hiring teams that value his unique background and innovative approach to learning design. While he hasn’t yet accepted a role, he speaks with confidence about his readiness:
“The Academy gave me the tools, techniques, and confidence to design truly engaging learning experiences. Today, I trust my expertise as an instructional designer and know I’m entering this next phase with clarity and confidence.”
This combination of professional branding, AI-driven project work, and active engagement in the Academy community positions Davis as a standout candidate ready to make an impact.
“I began what I thought would be a lifelong career in early education, but after moving to an area where the average teacher salary wasn’t sustainable for my family, I transitioned into recruiting. Over time, I realized the common thread in everything I did was a passion for helping people think, learn, and grow more effectively.
When I decided to pursue instructional design, I started with self-study but quickly realized I needed more structure and guidance. That’s when I joined Peck Academy.
From the start, I felt welcomed by the community, supported by mentors, and equipped with clear, well-organized resources. The program gave me both the theory and the practice I needed: hands-on projects, feedback that pushed my work forward, and the confidence to present myself as a designer.
The Academy became the same kind of transformative experience I was learning to create for others. My portfolio gained visibility, my LinkedIn presence grew, and interviews started coming in.
Most importantly, I now trust my expertise as an instructional designer. I know I’m entering the next phase of my career with clarity, confidence, and a portfolio that reflects who I am as a professional.”
Instructional Designer
Instructional Design Professional Certification
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You’ve seen what’s possible when determination meets the right support.
Our certification programs are designed to help you stand out: structured learning, hands-on projects, and a portfolio that proves your skills.
Graduates don’t just learn—they launch careers with confidence and credibility.
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