While some might think answer checking a bunch of math questions is boring, or proofreading/answer checking an entire test prep guide for 5th grade math, I actually have enjoyed my assignments the last few days. and a little before I left today, I was assigned my next project: put together two practice tests for a certain state's high school math test. (This is where I grab items, revise items as necessary, and write a few new items as needed!)
It's kind of fun because I get the mathematician/teacher/student persons in me analyzing many things. I also get to see the different standards for different states at different grade levels. For example, the NJ 5th grade math standards look like they'd give a set of beginning TX 9th graders some challenge.
Plus, I'm getting some new things to learn with the computer and publishing software. I guess those journalism classes I took for fun in high school are going to serve me well now....because there are many things within layout and what not that I'm familiar with. It's really strange (and aweing) to think of God's hand in my life that has led me to be fairly well prepared for this job, including the little things like working as a teacher aide for two years with K-2--which helped me practice communicating at a younger level--and the previously mentioned journalism/yearbook/newspaper things I did in high school.
I also think that the stint I pulled in college working as the data entry/filing grunt for 5 different accountants may also help me stay organized and proficient at working with a team of 3 project editors and then our senior editor.
While I generally feel okay about some of my grammar basics, I'm glad that I have many ELA people right around me to answer questions about the more subtle grammar and structure issues that could come up in my proofreading.
Plus, there are some fun people where I work, and while Josh is apparently going to miss my 2 months of summer vacation, I rather enjoy the freedom that comes with not being tied to a school schedule--and the ability to take off around holidays. (Teachers were not allowed to take the day off or the day after a major holiday without having exceptional cause) Work hours are a little flexible too.
here's hoping the house stuff works out soon so that I can find all my fun books and posters to decorate my cubicle with. and so that I can accomplish real cooking and baking again...
Posted by Anna at July 17, 2008 06:10 PM | TrackBack