My Design Philosophy

I believe the best learning experiences are:

  • Learner-first: Accessible, engaging, and built on principles of adult learning.
  • Collaborative: Co-created with cross-functional teams to ensure accuracy, alignment, and impact.
  • Evolving: Continuously refined through feedback, innovation, and data-driven iteration.

Beyond the Work

I’m passionate about sharing knowledge and growing the field of learning design. I’ve presented at national conferences, authored articles and blogs on instructional strategies, and mentored colleagues who are building their skills in instructional design.

When I’m not designing learning experiences, you’ll find me exploring new educational technologies, diving into data to uncover insights, playing pickleball, reading, or simply enjoying time with family and friends.

I Notice What's Missing. Then I Build It.

I've always been someone who notices what's missing and builds something to fill the gap.

It started in a high school classroom, where I created a Forensic Science course from scratch because I saw students opting out of science the moment they'd met their state requirements. That instinct — to identify a need, design a solution, and make learning meaningful — has followed me through every role I've held since.

With a Ph.D. in Science Education and 20+ years of experience spanning K-12 education, higher education, and SaaS, I've built my career at the intersection of instructional design and customer enablement. I know how people learn, what makes training stick, and how to translate complex products and workflows into clear, actionable experiences that drive real adoption and impact.

What energizes me most is building from scratch — onboarding programs, professional development frameworks, self-service knowledge bases, certification-style workshops, and training resources that start as a solution for one client or team and grow into something that serves an entire organization. I bring a researcher's mindset to every project, grounded in adult learning principles, Universal Design for Learning, and a deep understanding of what learners actually need to succeed.

The work you'll find here reflects that philosophy. Each piece was designed with a specific learner and outcome in mind — because good instructional design isn't just about content, it's about connection, clarity, and lasting impact.

I'd love for you to explore my work and see how I approach the craft of learning design. If something resonates, let's connect at jillzwhalen@gmail.com or find me on LinkedIn.

 

 

"I appreciate your quick response, attention to detail, and how you always go above and beyond to send thoughtful tips and resources that have helped our schools and teachers immensely...there is NO WAY I could have done this without you.  From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU for partnering with me to increase student and teacher usage of Newsela."

- Liz Bautista, Educational Software Manager at PUC Schools