Global Training Program Design: EnglishConnect Missionary Preparation

Project Overview

EnglishConnect classes are offered worldwide and supported by volunteer Young Service Missionaries. Prior to this project, there was no standardized training program, leaving many missionaries unsure of expectations, teaching practices, or how to transition into leading a class independently.

I designed a 7-week global training program (with a guided transition into service) to move missionaries from classroom support to confident, independent teachers. The program is competency-based, practice-driven, and grounded in both instructional best practices and faith-centered teaching.

Instructional Challenge

No existing onboarding or preparation pathway

Global audience with varied confidence and teaching experience

High-stakes performance outcome: missionaries must lead live classes independently

Need for consistency, clarity, and scalability without removing local flexibility

Design Strategy

I structured the program around progressive role development, allowing missionaries to build skills, confidence, and identity as teachers over time.

Key design principles:

Scaffolded progression from observer → independent instructor

Clear scope and sequence aligned to role readiness

Practice-based learning with increasing responsibility

Competency-driven design to define mastery and reduce ambiguity

Built-in evaluation and feedback loops to support growth and accountability

Program Structure (Scope & Sequence)
Week Focus Core Competency Missionary Role
1 Orientation, purpose, belonging Understand why EnglishConnect exists and why their role matters Learner of vision & purpose
2 Observation & shadowing Identify effective teaching behaviors; connect gospel principles Active observer
3 Facilitate activities Practice structured facilitation with support Guided facilitator
4 Lead activity + gospel thought Integrate faith and teaching Faith-centered instructor
5 Co-teach lesson segment Apply principles collaboratively Co-teacher
6 Lead full class (supported) Manage flow, encourage participation, teach by the Spirit Independent teacher-in-training
7 Full leadership + evaluation Demonstrate confidence and readiness EnglishConnect Teacher

Weeks 8–9: Transition into official service as an independent teacher.

My Contributions

I served as the sole instructional designer, owning the program end to end. My work included:

Developing the scope and sequence to clearly map progression from onboarding to independent teaching

Defining core competencies for each stage of missionary development to establish clear expectations and readiness criteria

Designing and authoring the full curriculum in Articulate 360, ensuring clarity, accessibility, and scalability

Creating a standardized evaluation rubric to support consistent observation, feedback, and readiness assessment across regions

Aligning learning activities, practice opportunities, and evaluations to real-world teaching performance

Supporting pilot implementation across six global regions

Impact & Next Steps

This pilot represents the first standardized training pathway for Young Service Missionaries supporting EnglishConnect classes. Early feedback indicates increased clarity, confidence, and preparedness among participants. The program is positioned for evaluation, iteration, and global scale.

Why This Project Matters

This project demonstrates my approach to instructional design: building clear, human-centered systems that help people step into new roles with confidence. Rather than focusing solely on content delivery, I design learning ecosystems, curriculum, competencies, and evaluation, that support real performance in real environments.