Honesty, Integrity, and Strengths in Instructional Design

As an instructional designer, I believe my professional journey is rooted in honesty and integrity, values that are not only personal commitments but also essential to the field. The Canyon Center for Character Education emphasizes that strong character within organizations fosters trust, ethical behavior, and long-term success (Canyon Center for Character Education, 2025a). In my work, I strive to ensure transparency with stakeholders, clarity with learners, and fairness in assessment design. By grounding projects in these principles, I align with the competency of leading with character, which highlights the importance of trust and shared values in sustaining positive learning environments.

Honesty is particularly evident in how I approach learning analytics and assessment. It can be tempting to highlight only “successful” outcomes, but integrity calls me to present results authentically, even when data points to areas for growth. This aligns with the Canyon Center’s call for reflection and growth, encouraging professionals to engage in self-knowledge and continuous development (Canyon Center for Character Education, 2025b). By modeling this transparency, I demonstrate to learners and colleagues alike that setbacks are not failures but opportunities for learning and refinement.

Integrity also guides the way I collaborate with others. The Character Formation Guidance stresses that organizations thrive when employees feel respected, valued, and recognized for their contributions (Canyon Center for Character Education, 2025b). In practice, I foster collaboration by ensuring that every team member’s perspective is heard during design projects, particularly in brainstorming and peer-feedback sessions. This practice not only upholds fairness but also strengthens the community and culture domain of the Canyon Center framework, which is essential for building sustainable, character-driven workplaces.

Finally, I see my professional strengths such as creativity in design, adaptability with emerging technologies, and a commitment to lifelong learning as extensions of the Canyon Center’s vision of human and societal flourishing (Canyon Center for Character Education, 2025a). Instructional design is not just about meeting immediate organizational needs; it is also about preparing learners to contribute positively to society. By embedding values of empathy, respect, and responsibility into course design, I aim to create learning experiences that go beyond technical skill development and encourage holistic character growth.

In sum, honesty and integrity are more than professional expectations they are central to my practice as an instructional designer. By aligning with the Canyon Center for Character Education competencies, I continue to grow as a designer who not only builds effective learning but also fosters ethical, respectful, and flourishing communities.

References

Canyon Center for Character Education. (2025a). Framework for purposeful cultures of character. Grand Canyon University. https://devrow-hosting.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/ssc/coe/25CCCE0040_Framework-PDF-Update_FLY_FINAL_ADA.pdf

Canyon Center for Character Education. (2025b). Character formation guidance: Character in the professions. Grand Canyon University. https://devrow-hosting.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/ssc/coe/25CCCE0007_Character-Formation-Guidance-Professions-PDF-Update_FINAL_ADA.pdf