Job Responsibilities
Editing online and print documents for the state-mandated tests.
This is about 75% of my job. I also serve as a consultant and
provide information regarding testing procedures and policies to
districts across the state (20% of my job). I also manage
projects and head committees regarding test item development,
online testing initiatives, and personnel issues.
|
Job Requirements
The requirements for this job include having a Bachelor's degree
in English or Journalism (which I obtained in 1985 from the
University of Texas at Austin) and teaching experience. I had
begun my MAED in Curriculum and Technology long before getting
the job, but it did not influence the decision to hire me. My
MAED/CT program was entirely based online through the University
of Phoenix. Popular classes were easy to get into and if they
were full, a new one would start within two weeks. Grading was
comparable to other University-based Master's programs where to
earn an "A" meant a grade of 95 or better. The professors, for
the most part, were professional and well educated. The workload
was intense, but not impossible. Some of the classes were too
easy for someone like me with more life experience with
technologyl
|
Uppers
Working with and helping school district personnel with the complexities
involved in the state-mandated tests. With districts and teachers being held
accountable and such high-stakes being involved, it is rewarding when I can help
educators better understand the policies and procedures so they can best meet the
students' needs and maintain the integrity of the tests.
|
Downers
Having to write up an official reprimand on districts or
personnel who did not follow procedures but had good intentions.
Many educators don't mean to break the rules, but because they
think they are doing the right thing for their students they
sometimes do break the rules.
|
Lifestyle
Work hours are long during the school year, but more relaxed between May and
August. We don't get to enjoy casual dress days until the summer when school is
out. The atmosphere can be very tense, especially during the testing periods when
we are flooded with districts calling and asking questions. There are some perks
like company luncheons, awards, bonuses, and such. However, we don't get
compensation time because we are consultants and we don't get overtime pay
because we are salaried. Also, there are many unwritten rules that if broken can
get you fired but you don't know you've broken one until you break one. It's best
to latch on to an old-timer and ask lots of questions.
|
Compensation
Base salary varies with experience and education, however the
average base beginning salary is in the low 40's. We have
received an annual bonus (a percentage of our salary)for the last
six years and it will probably continue. There are no stock
options as it's not a company listed on the stock market. The
health care benefits are okay but pricey and the company only
pays 60% of the employee's premium and none of the premium for
the employee's family. Offices are small and cramped and new
people are placed in cubicals until either someone leaves or is
promoted to a "window" office.
|
Advice to Jobseekers
If you are not the type of person who can follow rules and
regulations or understand the chain of command, don't apply.
There is no tolerance for such people and they are fired on the
spot. If you understand how the chain of command process works in
a corporate of government setting and are comfortable with that,
then you will do great. Many new people hover under the radar
until they get a firm understanding of how things work and what
the unwritten rules are and those are the ones who not only
survive, but thrive (and get promoted).
|
