Interviewer: What is your name?
Ron: Ron Watson
Interviewer: What is your position at CSA?
Ron: Director, Humanities and Assessment
Interviewer: What does that position entail?
Ron: I oversee curriculum development for K–12 Humanities projects, covering Social Studies as well as some higher-level ELA projects. I also work with other disciplines on Assessment projects as well as DEI/CRE projects. As part of this role, I work closely with internal editors and project managers and with freelance writers and editors. I also serve as CSA’s lead contact for a number of clients who we work with in Humanities.
Interviewer: How did you become a part of CSA?
Ron: I started at CSA as an ELA Executive Editor over two years ago, before transitioning to my current role in 2021.
Interviewer: What is the best part of your job?
Ron: I enjoy the variety and challenges that come with each new project. This allows me to keep learning and improving as an editor and a manager. For example, it takes a different mindset to work on an assessment project when compared to writing passages or articles.
Interviewer: What do you wish people knew about your work at CSA?
Ron: I wish people recognized the importance and amount of work that goes into a project “behind the scenes.” This includes project start-up, staffing a project, working with the client, etc. These steps can be time-consuming, but they are important to a project’s success. Each project involves a lot more than just writing and editing.
Interviewer: What do you wish schools focused on more in terms of education and why?
Ron: I wish schools would move away from strict multiple-choice assessments and instead embrace more innovative and creative assessment models.
Interviewer: What are three interesting facts about you?
Ron: I have two Australian Shepherds. My love for dogs has led me to volunteer at two different local pet rescue facilities. It is a great way to help a little bit! I also love live music and travel a lot to see my favorite artists in concert.
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