On this International Women’s Day, we recognize some of the many women who contribute to the Michener community and healthcare education, such as Jennifer Levine, Manager, Instructional Design at the Centre for the Enrichment of Teaching and Learning (CETL).
When Jennifer Levine started with Continuing Education at Michener 13 years ago as the first staff member with a background in instructional design, it seemed that one of her biggest challenges was having to explain the role of an instructional designer.
“When I graduated from my Master of Education, with a focus on education and technology, I was in the first graduating cohort of digital technology for that program,” Jennifer says. “Many institutions didn’t really know what an instructional designer was at that point.”
She says that when she started, much of the education sector was not utilizing digital systems to their full potential. It’s something she has helped to rectify over the years by playing a part in introducing and implementing new e-learning systems and tools at Michener.
Now serving as the Manager, Instructional Design at the Centre for the Enrichment of Teaching and Learning (CETL), she says she finds the role undertaken by her team as very rewarding.
“My instructional designers are truly amazing! They don’t realize how impactful they are,” she says. “A little change in an assessment, or suggestion to teach something different can really go a long way for a student.”
“Through our role, we get to have our hands in a bunch of little pies – and the big pies, too. All the pies!”
A career of helping people was always the goal for Jennifer, she just needed to find the right fit. After time spent as a social worker, she discovered a love for education – but not necessarily teaching.
“I wanted to be in education, but I wanted to make a difference in another way,” she says. “Personally speaking, my future wasn’t at the front of a classroom.”
She says she found a better fit as Director of Education at a Sylvan Learning location, which led her to explore her Master of Education, which brought her directly to Michener.
“The day I had my thesis defense was actually the day I was hired at Michener,” she says. “Completing my master’s degree literally took me directly to Michener.”
Her journey was challenging at times – she spread her master degree out over years while she welcomed three children to her family. “It was difficult, but I learned how to manage my time, and because it was fully online it also taught me how to work from home efficiently,” she says. “In a way it prepared me for the future of work and learning,” she says, with a chuckle.
Jennifer says she’s not alone in this respect, as many women take on similar challenges, and that she was lucky to have a very supportive and understanding husband and family.
“My story is not unique, and I acknowledge I was very fortunate to have such great support along the way. I’m truly in awe of the women who can do it on their own,” she says.
For those pursuing their own path among other responsibilities, Jennifer says to remember that this is not a race but a journey. “There is no rush, take all the time you need” she says. “Collect the golden experiences along the way, from your courses and your family. They will help get you to where you want to go.”