We’re thrilled to welcome Taylor Grain to the CALIE team as the Lead Facilitator for the CALIE Certified Educator Program! Taylor brings a rare combination of classroom experience, instructional design expertise, and a genuine passion for helping educators grow into confident leaders.
An Educator First
Taylor’s career spans early education, higher education, and adult learning. She earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from James Madison University and spent several years as an elementary school teacher, an experience that shaped her deep appreciation for the learner experience and continues to guide her work today.
From the classroom, Taylor moved into instructional design. She now serves as a Lead Instructional Designer in higher education, where she creates training for adult professionals. Whether she’s designing for young learners or experienced practitioners, Taylor keeps the learner at the center, turning dense, complex material into engaging, meaningful learning experiences.
A Builder at Heart
Taylor has led a multi-million-dollar eLearning initiative from the ground up and has coached adult learners through creating their own courses. Colleagues often describe her as the person they turn to when something needs building or fixing.

“What lights me up most is watching someone realize they already have what it takes to lead, and helping them turn their ideas and aspirations into action.”
Looking Ahead
As Lead Facilitator, Taylor will guide educators through the CALIE Certified Educator Program, drawing on her own journey from the classroom to leadership to support them as they step into leadership with confidence and purpose.
Please join us in giving Taylor a warm CALIE welcome!