What is the difference between an Instructional Design practitioner and an L&D leader?

An Instructional Design practitioner focuses on deep work on specific projects—designing courses, creating content, and running training sessions. An L&D leader shifts to managing multiple projects, guiding strategy, quality control, and leading teams.

How can teachers transition into L&D leadership roles?

Teachers can transition into L&D leadership by starting as Instructional Design practitioners, documenting their processes, learning business terminology, building portfolios, and practicing leadership skills like delegation and strategic thinking even before getting a leadership title.

Why is process documentation important for L&D leaders?

Clear process documentation gives teams a framework to follow, reduces onboarding time, and actually frees up more time for leaders to focus on their people rather than constant firefighting.

What are 'flow Fridays' in the context of L&D leadership?

Flow Fridays are dedicated blocks of time for deep, focused work. This boundary-setting practice helps L&D leaders protect their calendar and maintain connection to the craft while managing leadership responsibilities.

Teacher to L&D Leadership: Rachel Schell's Blueprint

When we talk about learning and development (L&D), it's easy to focus on the tools: Storyline, Rise, Captivate. But ask any seasoned professional and they'll tell you that the true game changer isn't the tech, it's leadership. And when it comes to making the leap from Instructional Design practitioner to L&D leadership roles, Rachel Schell is a name that's echoing loudly in the hallways of this industry.

A former higher education teacher, Rachel now leads her own L&D company, RAS Personalised Solutions, and runs the vibrant Emerging Leaders in L&D community. Her journey is a masterclass in evolving with purpose and she's got a few things to say about how teachers, especially those with a background in Instructional Design, can rise into impactful leadership roles in the world of learning and development. I've left our full discussion here if you wish to watch:

From blackboard to boardroom: the evolution of leadership in Instructional Design

It all started with a university training on Blackboard back in 2008. "I remember thinking, 'this is going to change how people learn'", Rachel recalls. That moment sparked her love for technology-enhanced learning and development, leading to two master's degrees and a whirlwind career through government education departments and corporate learning and development.

Rachel didn't just work in education and Instructional Design, she reimagined it. While at the Arkansas Department of Education, she showed leadership in the charge to develop online curricula and training teachers to bring digital learning to life. She even coached over 120 teachers who were creating their first-ever online courses. The link between Instructional Design and teacher-led learning? Rachel was living it.

Where the shift to leadership happens

So how does someone go from Instructional Design whiz to L&D leadership visionary?

"It's the mindset shift," Rachel says. "You go from doing deep work on one or two projects, to scanning across ten projects in a day, guiding strategy and quality control."

Many teachers transitioning into learning and development roles naturally begin as Instructional Design practitioners—writing storyboards, designing training, running sessions. But the real step into leadership happens when you start managing people, setting boundaries, and letting go of doing it all yourself.

Rachel admits this transition wasn't seamless. "At first, I was still developing everything myself—designing, reviewing, delivering. But I was too close to the work. Quality started to slip. That's when I realised: leadership means trusting your team, defining your process, and stepping into the visionary role."

Process is not the enemy in Instructional Design, it's the safety net

What is Rachel's top tip for Instructional Design professionals who aspire for leadership roles in learning and development? Document your process.

"People push back. They think, 'Why focus on task management? What about the people?' But here's the truth: having a clear process gives you more time to focus on your people," she explains.

If you're a teacher looking to move into leadership or Instructional Design, Rachel encourages you to treat documentation like your superpower. "When you're in charge, your team is going to look to you for the 'how.' If you can articulate your approach, you'll save months of onboarding pain."

Setting boundaries: the hidden leadership skill

Many teachers turned L&D professionals carry a badge of honour around doing more with less. But in the corporate or nonprofit space, that mindset can backfire.

Rachel's experience mirrors what so many transitioning teachers discover: "Because we come from resource-limited environments, we say yes to everything. That almost burned me out." Setting boundaries, she says, isn't just healthy, it's a key leadership move.

Her strategy? Blocking out dedicated time for deep work, what she calls "flow Fridays." Whether you're still hands-on with Instructional Design or starting to manage others, protecting your calendar is a form of self-leadership that ripples out to your team.

Staying grounded in the work

Interestingly, Rachel doesn't fully let go of her Instructional Design practitioner mindset. While in leadership roles, she no longer develops client work directly, she still dives into projects with the Emerging Leaders community. "It helps me stay connected to the craft of Instructional Design," she says. "It also makes me a better leader—I can relate to my team, understand their pain points, and scope projects more realistically."

This blend of strategic oversight and on-the-ground empathy is what makes Rachel's leadership style so effective. She understands that learning and development leaders aren't just project managers, they're problem solvers, culture shapers, and champions for learner engagement.

Advice for aspiring learning and development leaders

Rachel's final piece of advice? Don't wait for the title. Start practicing leadership now.

"If you're currently a practitioner in learning and development, act like a leader before anyone gives you permission. Learn to delegate, define your workflow, understand how your work fits into the bigger picture."

And if you're a teacher eyeing the world of Instructional Design or L&D leadership? Your skills are more transferable than you think.

"You already know how to design learning experiences, manage time, and adapt to change," Rachel reminds us. "With intention and structure, you can lead just as effectively in this space."

Our conclusions:

Teachers bring unique strengths to learning and development, especially in Instructional Design.
Transitioning to leadership means stepping back, trusting others, and seeing the whole system.
Process and time management are underrated but vital leadership skills.
Staying close to the work, even occasionally, keeps you sharp and empathetic.

Rachel's story is both a roadmap and a rally cry: If you're a teacher, an Instructional Design pro, or anyone navigating the world of learning and development, the door to leadership isn't just open, it's yours to walk through.

Until next time, stay awesome.

From teacher to trailblazer in Instructional Design: Rachel Schell's leadership blueprint in learning and development