I am a learning professional with 25+ years of designing and delivering high-impact educational experiences across secondary and higher education. I specialize in translating complex concepts into engaging, learner-centered content that drives engagement, retention, and performance. I excel at curriculum innovation, cross-functional collaboration, and leveraging data insights to continuously improve outcomes. I bring with me deep experience in digital learning environments, scalable course development, and multimodal delivery, all focused on aligning learning solutions with organizational goals and driving measurable performance gains.…

Blake Vincent Bastain

I am a learning professional with 25+ years of designing and delivering high-impact educational experiences across secondary and higher education. I specialize in translating complex concepts into engaging, learner-centered content that drives engagement, retention, and performance. I excel at curriculum innovation, cross-functional collaboration, and leveraging data insights to continuously improve outcomes. I bring with me deep experience in digital learning environments, scalable course development, and multimodal delivery, all focused on aligning learning solutions with organizational goals and driving measurable performance gains.…

Available to hire

I am a learning professional with 25+ years of designing and delivering high-impact educational experiences across secondary and higher education. I specialize in translating complex concepts into engaging, learner-centered content that drives engagement, retention, and performance.

I excel at curriculum innovation, cross-functional collaboration, and leveraging data insights to continuously improve outcomes. I bring with me deep experience in digital learning environments, scalable course development, and multimodal delivery, all focused on aligning learning solutions with organizational goals and driving measurable performance gains.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Adjunct Professor at Bakersfield College
August 1, 2016 - Present
Develop and implement engaging and dynamic learning activities to foster critical thinking and problem-solving in a diverse learner population. Conduct needs assessments to identify learning gaps and adapt instructional strategies, creating a dynamic, results-focused learning environment. Collaborate with department faculty to revise course materials, instructional strategies, and learning outcomes for increased engagement and success.
English Teacher at Kern High School District
August 1, 2004 - Present
Design and develop comprehensive, year-long curricula and instructional materials for 160+ students, aligning content with learning objectives and ensuring accessibility for a diverse population of learners. Lead cross-functional teams of administrators and subject matter experts to develop school-wide literacy initiatives and instructional methods improvement.
English Educator at Kern High School District
August 1, 2004 - Present
Designed and executed standards-aligned curricula and digital learning assets within Canvas LMS for 180+ concurrent learners, driving a 15% increase in student proficiency and assessment outcomes. Led cross-functional collaboration with administrators and SMEs to implement large-scale literacy initiatives and curriculum redesigns, leveraging ADDIE and SAM frameworks to improve instructional effectiveness and program scalability. Developed high-impact instructional guides, job aids, and asynchronous learning modules, translating complex pedagogical concepts into accessible, user-centered content that accelerated adoption of new literacy frameworks across departments. Leveraged learning analytics and performance data to assess engagement and instructional effectiveness, implementing continuous improvements that resulted in 10-15% gains in student engagement and retention. Championed data-driven and inclusive teaching strategies across in-person and digital environments, enhancing learner

Education

Graduate Certificate in Learning Design and Technology at Harvard University Extension
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2026
Master of Arts in English Language and Literature at University of California, Irvine
January 11, 2030 - December 4, 2025
Bachelor of Arts and Teaching Credential in English Language and Literature, with an emphasis in Education at University of California, Davis
January 11, 2030 - December 4, 2025
Graduate Certificate in Learning Design and Technology at Harvard University Extension
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2026
Master of Arts in English Language and Literature (Graduated with Distinction) at University of California, Irvine
January 11, 2030 - December 4, 2025
Bachelor of Arts and Teaching Credential in English Language and Literature (Education emphasis) at University of California, Davis
January 11, 2030 - December 4, 2025
Graduate Certificate in Learning Design and Technology at Harvard University Extension
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2026
Master of Arts in English Language and Literature at University of California, Irvine
January 11, 2030 - September 1, 2010
Bachelor of Arts and Teaching Credential in English Language and Literature at University of California, Davis
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2000
Graduate Certificate, Learning Design and Technology at Harvard University Extension School
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2026
Master of Arts in English, Awarded with Distinction at University of California, Irvine
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2011
Bachelor of Arts in English at University of California, Davis
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2000
Graduate Certificate at Harvard University Extension School
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2026
Master of Arts in English (Distinction) at University of California, Irvine
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2011
Bachelor of Arts in English at University of California, Davis
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2000

Qualifications

Graduate Certificate in Learning Design and Technology
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2026
Master of Arts in English Language and Literature
January 11, 2030 - December 4, 2025
Bachelor of Arts and Teaching Credential in English Language and Literature, with an emphasis in Education
September 1, 1994 - June 30, 2001

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Other
    paper Valley Strong Soft Skills Training

    I designed a comprehensive training program for Valley Strong Credit Union counter workers that reimagined upselling as a core component of member advocacy. By centering the approach on “human-focused banking,” I equipped the team with the essential soft skills—specifically active listening and empathy—needed to transform routine transactions into meaningful financial consultations. My strategy focused on teaching staff to identify “life event triggers” through organic conversation, allowing them to provide value-driven recommendations that helped our members and communities prosper. By integrating our “Own It” and “Innovate Boldly” values into realistic, safe-to-fail roleplaying, I empowered our frontline to move beyond simple order-taking and become proactive partners in our members’ financial success.