I have been working as a freelance educational writer specializing in ELL & K-12 since 2008. I write and edit stimuli and items for high-stakes assessments, test preparation materials, and a variety of educational tools. Through my work with various educators and test developers, I have developed a solid grasp of item writing conventions, fairness and sensitivity considerations, and the importance of creating materials that fairly and accurately assess the skills of a broad population. I have working knowledge of Common Core State Standards (CCSS), SBAC and PARCC item formats, and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). I have traveled extensively, have had an interesting range of work experiences outside the field of education, and I often draw from these experiences to produce unique items set in international contexts. I have written for a variety of English assessment tests, and am experienced in writing for a range of age groups and proficiency levels. Download my resume here.
Educational Writing and Test Development
Educational Testing Service (ETS) (2008 – present)
- Write and edit stimuli and items for the listening and reading sections of the TOEIC (Test of English for International Communications) and the TOEIC Bridge
- Create computer-based speaking prompts for use in the TOEFL Primary
- Write argumentative and expository essays for ELL assessments used for grades 9-12
- Create a variety of passages and items for K-12 materials based on the ELPA21 assessment system
- Collaborated with the NLP (Natural Language Processing) team to build a list of vocabulary words and contexts appropriate for workplace English
- Assisted the NLP team in building an automated video filtering system for use in language proficiency tests, accepted for the CALICO (Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium) Conference 2015
- Worked as a test development intern (Summer 2012) and as a mentoring intern (Summer 2013) at the ELL Summer Institute in Princeton, New Jersey
- Take photographs of workplace scenarios for use in a variety of ETS testing materials
- Select passages for use as prompts in the SAT essay section
Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments (CaMLA) (2014 - present)
Rosetta Stone (2013 - present)
- Write and edit end of lesson tests for Livemocha's English-language program for workplace readiness
- Write end of lesson tests for an English-language program aimed at Korean children ages 6-12
- Update reference materials and training documents given to freelancers
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Core Learning Exchange (Core-LX) (2015 - present)
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Tighe (2013 - present)
- Write passages, items, and essay prompts for Smarter Balanced performance tasks for grades 8-11
Lidget Green (2013 – present)
- Write and edit items for English Listening Lounge, an online tool intended to improve the listening skills of English-language learners
- Write passages and items for the Test of English for Academic Purposes (TEAP), a university entrance exam administered in Japan
- Write listening passages and items for an online testing tool that assesses grades 2-12 English language proficiency
BrainWorx Studio, Inc. (2013 – present)
- Edit reading comprehension items for grades 6-12 in the subjects of ELA, Science, and Social Studies
- Write and edit ELA reading comprehension and grammar items for grades 9-11
Words and Numbers (2013 - present)
- Create ELA reading comprehension items for K-12 test preparation materials
Literacy Austin/LifeWorks (2006 – 2008)
- Taught a 2-hour ESL course twice a week to a small group of adults
- Created teaching materials, developed curricula, planned activities, and assessed student progress
- Conducted interviews and proficiency tests to measure students’ language levels
Publishers Resource Group - Summer Intern (June – July 2005, June-July 2006)
- Edited and proofread K-12 reading passages, testing materials, and instructional tools
- Implemented suggested corrections and documented manuscript changes
University of Texas Department of Communications - Editorial Assistant (2005 – 2006)
- Edited, proofread, and fact checked books and manuscripts
- Assisted with editorial correspondence between authors, editors, and publishers
Literacy Austin/LifeWorks - Volunteer Teacher, (2006 – 2008)
- Taught a 2-hour ESL course twice a week to a small group of adults
- Created teaching materials, developed curricula, planned activities, and assessed student progress
- Conducted interviews to measure students’ language levels
Internet Marketing, Content Development, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Adlucent -- PPC Production Specialist (2008-2013)
- Built pay per click (PPC) marketing campaigns for large Internet retailers
- Used keyword research tools to target important search terms and develop search engine friendly ad copy
Adlucent -- SEO Campaign Coordinator (2007-2008)
- Headed search engine optimization campaigns for Internet retailers, local businesses, and nonprofits
- Edited clients’ Web site materials to improve usability and boost rankings in the search engine results pages
Adlucent -- Copy Editor, Public Relations Coordinator (2006-2007)
- Wrote and distributed news releases, press materials, and company documents
- Edited marketing materials and Web content
Angie Noeth -- Content Creator (2013)
- Created search-engine friendly Website content for real estate agent, boosting the site's rankings in search engine results pages for the client's target areas of specialization.
CircleOurEarth.com -- Founder and Content Creator (2008 - present)
- Created a Website with travel tips, resources, photos, and articles aimed at inspiring people to travel.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts; Middle Eastern Studies (University of Texas, Austin, TX, 2005)
- Bachelor of Journalism (University of Texas, Austin, TX, 2005)
- University of Virginia/Yarmouk University Summer Arabic Program (Irbid, Jordan, 2005)
