LinkedIn for educators? Your first step to being visible in the Learning Design space
Hi everyone—Bianca Raby here with another burning question: "I know I need an online portfolio… where do I start?" Whether you're an experienced teacher pivoting into digital roles or aiming to establish yourself in the field of Learning Design, the first place to begin is not with a flashy website. Here's my advice on LinkedIn for educators. But also, if you'd rather watch, check out the video below.
Why LinkedIn for educators is a must
Let me be clear: LinkedIn for educators is not optional anymore. It's your digital handshake, your professional storefront, and your "hello world" moment in the online education space.
If you're applying for roles, freelancing, or making a shift into Learning Design, your CV alone won't cut it. Employers want to see who you are—and that starts with your LinkedIn profile.
I check LinkedIn multiple times a day. If you reach out to me without a profile? It's not a good look. Especially if you say you're an aspiring Learning Design professional—but I can't see any sign of your work, intentions, or identity online. That's a missed opportunity.
LinkedIn for educators vs. websites vs. CVs
Let's clear this up:
- CV for educators: a formal intro, often still required.
- Website for educators: useful only when you're ready to sell a service or product.
- LinkedIn for educators: a must-have baseline. It's your professional narrative.
Unless you're turning your work into a business (selling coaching, PD, or courses), you don't need a website yet. What you do need is a standout LinkedIn profile and, if you're in Learning Design, a well-structured portfolio.
How to optimise LinkedIn for educators
Here's your checklist:
- A clear, career-relevant banner image (no sunsets or selfies).
- A professional headshot.
- A strong byline—think "aspiring Learning Designer" or "digital learning specialist."
- A compelling About section. This is where your story lives. Who are you? What's your niche?
- Your experience, certifications, and education—focused on roles and skills that relate to Learning Design.
- Recommendations! Ask past colleagues or mentors to share testimonials. These build trust and prove you're more than a list of skills.
If you're serious about visibility in the Learning Design space, this is where it starts.
Next steps: from LinkedIn to Learning Design portfolio
Once your LinkedIn presence is set, you can level up with a portfolio. For Learning Design, I recommend the STAR model—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to present real projects and impact.
But remember: LinkedIn for educators is your first tool. It gets you attention, it shows your credibility, and it creates connections.
Until next time, stay awesome.