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Peck Academy
Instructional Design Bootcamp (Now the ID Professional Certification Program)
Freelance Instructional Designer
Jessica transitioned from 10 years in the classroom into two remote instructional design roles, where her scenario-based projects and polished portfolio helped her land offers and reclaim creative fulfillment.
After 10 years of teaching third grade, Jessica Thal knew she needed a change. Burnt out from the classroom but still passionate about helping others learn, she discovered instructional design during virtual teaching. Designing digital resources sparked a realization—this could be her next chapter.
Jessica tried making the leap on her own, enrolling in online courses and following transition sites for teachers. But the advice felt vague, and the lack of structure left her overwhelmed. “After leaving a career I was so ingrained in for 10 years, I needed more hands-on guidance,” she shared. “I wasn’t sure how to translate my teaching experience into corporate language.”
That changed when she joined the bootcamp. The step-by-step structure, expert feedback, and community support gave her a clear path forward—and the confidence to fully embrace a new professional identity.
Fast forward just a few months after completing her portfolio, and Jessica was fielding multiple offers, ultimately landing two remote instructional design roles that aligned with her values and strengths.
“I don’t think I would’ve made it this far in the process or landed the jobs I have without the program.”
Jessica’s flagship project, Bark to Basics, tackles a real-world training need: teaching children how to safely interact with unfamiliar dogs.
Using Articulate Storyline, she built a visually immersive, scenario-based eLearning course with storytelling, personalization, and learner agency at its core.
From the moment learners choose an avatar and select their own dog companion, they’re immersed in an engaging, animated world. Subtle motion graphics and carefully timed interactions keep attention high while reinforcing key safety concepts.
A standout feature? A “give the dog a treat” interaction that adds a delightful moment of learner connection within the simulation.
Jessica credits the Storyline Project Lab for helping her bring the vision to life. “I felt confident using everything I learned in the lab,” she said. “That’s what made the course successful.”
“I loved how learners could personalize the experience—it made the simulation feel more real and memorable.”
Jessica’s portfolio came together with intention and polish, thanks to the Building Your Stand-Out Portfolio course.
Every detail—from her color palette to strategic background images—was designed to showcase her visual skills.
Subtle animations and embedded video clips drew recruiters into her process.
When she started applying, her efforts quickly paid off.
Within two months, she was juggling multiple interviews—and three offers.
She turned down a full-time hybrid role to accept two remote contract positions with organizations she believed in: Artisan Learning and the Center for Responsive Schools.
In one role, she focuses on Storyline development alongside a team of instructional and graphic designers; in the other, she independently rewrites curriculum in the early stages of ADDIE.
“I don’t think I would’ve made it this far in the process or landed the jobs I have without the bootcamp. It not only gave me the technical skills I needed, but also gave me the confidence to finally see myself as an instructional designer. My whole identity up until that point was ‘teacher,’ so this was huge for me, and I think that confidence is what helped me land the jobs I have now.
I tried to make the transition on my own. I took a few online classes and followed several teacher transition sites and courses, but the advice always felt vague. After leaving teaching—a career I was so ingrained in for 10 years—I realized I needed more structure and hands-on guidance. I wasn’t sure how to translate my teaching experience into corporate language, and after a few months I felt overwhelmed and knew I needed a clear, step-by-step path.
I loved how the coursework and modules were organized. I enjoyed learning Storyline and progressively building more challenging and exciting projects. Eventually, I joined a bootcamp team where I could talk through my experiences, get advice, and learn from my peers. Even when we weren’t at the same point in the bootcamp, I always left our meetings feeling motivated to keep learning.
Every interviewer said they had my portfolio open during our conversation and mentioned specific parts they enjoyed. The bootcamp also gave me the skills to build another full project on the topic of accessibility in eLearning, which potential employers also pointed out. I was even able to reference the write-up page on my portfolio during interviews when they asked about my design process.
After 2 months of applying to instructional design jobs, I started getting interviews and eventually had 3 offers come in around the same time. One was a full-time hybrid role that I ended up turning down, which felt huge for me. The bootcamp gave me the skills and support to reach that point, and to know what kind of work I really wanted. It felt so different from teaching to finally have options and the flexibility to choose what fit best.”
Freelance Instructional Designer
Instructional Design Bootcamp (Now the ID Professional Certification Program)
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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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