Rusty Brandt
About Rusty Brandt
Rusty Brandt serves as the Director of Learning Design & Development at StrongMind, where he has worked since 2019. He holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Doane College and has extensive experience in instructional design and education.
Current Role at StrongMind
Rusty Brandt serves as the Director of Learning Design & Development at StrongMind, a position he has held since 2019. Located in Chandler, Arizona, he focuses on enhancing educational experiences through innovative design and development strategies. His role involves overseeing the creation of effective learning materials and ensuring they meet the needs of diverse learners. Brandt's expertise in instructional design and curriculum development plays a crucial role in the company's mission to improve educational outcomes.
Education and Qualifications
Rusty Brandt holds a Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum and Instruction from Doane College, which he completed from 1997 to 1999. He also earned a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Elementary Education and Teaching from Arizona State University, studying from 1984 to 1989. His educational background provides a solid foundation for his work in instructional design and development, equipping him with the necessary skills to create effective learning environments.
Professional Background
Prior to his current role at StrongMind, Rusty Brandt worked at Pearson for several years in various capacities. He served as a Sr. Instructional Design Research Specialist from 2011 to 2016 and as an Instructional Designer from 2007 to 2011. His earlier experience at Pearson included roles as a Curriculum Specialist from 2005 to 2007. Brandt also worked as a teacher at Kyrene School District from 2001 to 2005, where he taught students in grades 4 through 8, including time spent on the Navajo Reservation.
Research and Development Experience
During his tenure at Pearson, Rusty Brandt spent five years in the research and innovation department, where he conducted research studies involving teachers and students. He facilitated cross-functional meetings and trained stakeholders on digital product functionality and design. Additionally, he conducted usability sessions with visually impaired and learning disabled students to identify accessibility issues, demonstrating his commitment to inclusive education.
Instructional Design Expertise
Rusty Brandt has extensive experience in instructional design, having transitioned from content writing to instructional design roles at Pearson. His work involved overseeing district curriculum and staff development, ensuring that educational materials were effective and aligned with learning objectives. His expertise in learner-centered design has been instrumental in his current role at StrongMind, where he continues to develop innovative learning solutions.