JENNIFER L. M. GUNN
WRITER + INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER + EDUCATOR

SUMMARY

Experienced instructional designer, educator, and writer. Curriculum specialist with over a decade of experience building instructional materials for learning and development — for schools, companies and private clients. Adept at team-building, brand-building, project-management, curriculum and professional materials development, learning facilitation, and collaborating and connecting with people. Background and skill set combines creativity and education with a background in project management, systems design, publishing and learning science. Highly proficient user of technology and most instructional design software. Expert use of tech tools to build visual and compelling instructional and professional learning materials.

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INTRO

I'm an experienced educator, designer and writer, specializing in instructional design, content creation, graphic design, digital branding, and journalism. I'm a problem-solver, collaborator, and thought-partner, who loves to create dynamic content and help people learn. 

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WRITING/EDITING/DESIGN

I began as a newspaper reporter before switching to the editor's desk, before jumping to magazines. I worked for nearly a decade launching five national magazine titles in succession, first as an editor and then as managing editor. I'm a strong and empathetic people leader, idea-generator and project-manager. I thrive on creating systems, finding solutions and researching to find the best ways to move the work forward. I can write about anything! I've covered daily news and written everything — magazine features, food content, home renovation how-to's, medical articles, and editorials on learning science and innovation — my range is wide. My strength is in knowing my audience and making any topic accessible to readers.

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As a freelance writer and instruction designer, I work with companies, organizations and publications on everything from ebooks to magazine features to blog articles to corporate learning materials. I've written hundreds of articles on education, learning design, educational leadership and learning science. I regularly work with clients to write and design employee learning and development materials, as well as with colleges developing their web site content to drive enrollment. I have a keen understanding of SEO and can tackle any topic to make it accessible and engaging for users and readers. I'm easily able to juggle style requirements and adjust tone, voice, and design to accommodate the project's needs. 

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EDUCATION/INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN

I made the move from full-time editor to education 12 years ago — but never left the creative world. As an educator and instructional designer, I've worked mostly as a curriculum specialist with now over a decade of experience building instructional materials for learning and development — for schools, companies and private clients. I co-founded My Unique Genius, a company to help teens explore what's possible after high school. I also created Right to Read, an adolescent literacy acceleration curriculum steeped in social justice, with four student workbooks. I co-developed two innovative interdisciplinary learning models — The Big Idea Project and We The Change — which combined social justice with project-based learning, while amplifying student voice and choice. All of these models are in use in NYC public schools today.

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Creating instructional materials and experiences for professional learners is a passion. I've developed countless seminars and hosted learning sessions at conferences across the country. I regularly work with private companies designing learning materials on everything from leadership, soft skills, employee development and wellness. My skillset enables me to be able to create materials top to bottom — including the design, writing and content development. 

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​PROFESSIONAL LEARNING FACILITATION

Seven years ago, I co-founded the annual education conference, EDxEDNYC, that welcomes over one thousand educators from around the world to New York City each June for a day of professional learning and conversation. I've designed and hosted training and professional learning sessions across the country. I truly believe in making professional learning not only useful, but inclusive and meaningful. Affectionately called a "master facilitator" by my colleagues, I'm known for designing and hosting engaging, innovative, and impactful learning experiences for professionals that help elevate practice and bolster outcomes. Learning shouldn't be boring, and discovering the most creative and effective ways to teach learners is where I thrive. 

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MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE AND SKILLSET

I'm adept at team-building, brand-building, project-management, curriculum and professional materials development, learning facilitation and collaborating and connecting with people. My background and skillset is particularly useful because it combines creativity and education with a background in project management, systems design, corporate publishing and learning science. I have managed entire magazine staffs, multi-million-dollar budgets, and created and maintained production schedules to keep large-scale projects moving. As an educator, I've been a teacher leader, guiding educators in professional learning and leading instructional practice.

 

 

TECHNOLOGY + CREATIVE SKILLS

I am a highly proficient user of Google Apps/GSuite, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and most instructional design software. I'm a very quick study on new technology and love to learn new tools! I possess professional graphic design skills, filmmaking/film editing skills and audio recording/editing skills. I also have access to a network of professional creative teams to assist when needed. Integrating technology tools to build visual and exceptional instructional and professional learning materials is my strength.