Open to opportunities

Tamarin Butcher

@tamarinbutcher

Message

Instructional design expert with 10+ years in higher education.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I am looking for opportunities that foster collaboration, innovation, and professional growth in instructional design.

As an Instructional Design Leader with over a decade of experience in higher education and digital learning, I have a proven track record of managing teams and designing learner-centered experiences. My passion lies in enhancing education through thoughtful design and meaningful collaboration, ensuring that technology integration meets the needs of both faculty and students.

In my current role as Associate Director of IDEAS at UMass Amherst, I lead the development of innovative projects such as the AccessibleU ADA training course and the IDEAS Seminars project. I have successfully revamped the IDEAS website for improved usability and consulted with instructors to enhance their course design needs. My leadership in migrating to the Canvas LMS has been pivotal in driving instructional tech improvements across the institution.

Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to faculty development initiatives, creating training programs that enhance digital competencies. My work at Texas State University as a Digital Literacy Program Coordinator involved developing micro-credentialing programs that significantly improved student digital fluency. I am committed to continuous improvement in instructional design and look forward to contributing my expertise to further educational innovation.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Associate Director of IDEAS Now

Current

UMass Amherst

Jan 2023 - Present (2 years 5 months)

Designed, developed, and project managed AccessibleU, an ADA training course. Led and launched the IDEAS Seminars project and revamped the IDEAS website for enhanced usability. Consulted with instructors on course design needs and led the initiative to migrate to the Canvas LMS.

Instructional Design Project Management Usability

Team Lead, Instructional Design and Faculty Support

UMass Amherst

Jan 2022 - Dec 2023 (1 year 11 months)

Managed a team of instructional designers and supported faculty development initiatives, including the Instructional Innovation Fellowship. Developed training programs to enhance faculty digital competencies. Collaborated with faculty to enhance course quality through continuous feedback.

Team Leadership Instructional Design Faculty Training Quality Assurance Mentoring

Digital Literacy Program Coordinator

Texas State University

Jan 2021 - Dec 2022 (1 year 11 months)

Developed and delivered micro-credentialing programs to enhance student digital fluency. Engaged in curriculum design for cross-disciplinary learning. Project managed timelines, resources, and delivery of instructional design projects.

Digital Fluency Curriculum Design Micro Credentialing Project Management

Instructional Designer

Texas State University

Jan 2016 - Dec 2021 (5 years 11 months)

Implemented the transition to Canvas LMS along with new course design standards. Created training for FEMA, ESL, and HHP programs, and founded the IDeaBook community of practice. Led instructional technology and process improvements.

Instructional Design Training Development Process Improvement

Acting Head/Head of Evaluations

GetSmarter (2U)

Jan 2015 - Dec 2016 (1 year 11 months)

Formalized annual evaluation processes to ensure consistent quality and effectiveness. Mentored QA teams to improve their performance and adherence to standards. Oversaw the evaluation framework for online learning programs.

Evaluator Quality Assurance Mentoring Performance Online Learning Project Management

Learning Designer and Learning Design Specialist

GetSmarter (2U)

Jan 2013 - Dec 2015 (2 years 11 months)

Designed and developed online short courses and accredited diplomas in collaboration with subject matter experts. Created course content, video scripts, and marketing articles. Managed instructors and SMEs to ensure high-quality delivery.

Content Creation Video Scripts Project Management Curriculum Development

Content Developer

College SA

Jan 2012 - Dec 2013 (1 year 11 months)

Created distance learning course materials on topics such as Guest House Management and Event Management. Applied instructional design principles for adult learners. Ensured content was engaging and met learning objectives.

Content Development Distance Learning Instructional Design Course Material Creation Curriculum Development

Online English Teacher

EF English Live

Jan 2010 - Dec 2012 (2 years 11 months)

Designed and delivered engaging virtual English lessons to diverse international learners. Tailored instruction to varying proficiency levels through an online classroom platform. Fostered a supportive and interactive learning environment.

Online Learning English Instruction International Education

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of South Africa

Honors Degree, Psychology

Obtained an Honors Degree in Psychology from the University of South Africa. This advanced study built upon foundational psychological principles.

University of South Africa

Bachelor of English, English, Psychology

Completed a Bachelor's degree with a focus on English and Psychology at the University of South Africa. This program provided a strong foundation in both humanities and social sciences.