The Basics

Name and title: 

Joy Diamond, Senior Curriculum Designer – Language Arts

Has been at IXL for:

Four years in May!

Hometown and current city:

I grew up in Canton, Ohio and currently live in Chapel Hill, NC.

 

Life at IXL

Why did you join IXL?

Throughout the interviewing process, I could see that IXL was thoughtful in ensuring that the skills (practice problems that support subject and grade-level curriculum) in their program were based on solid research. This was important to me because I was seeking work that would allow me to use my knowledge of language and literacy research and interventions in a way that directly impacts students. As an ELA curriculum designer, I would have the opportunity to continue to investigate the research literature and create new skills. I was also consistently impressed with the knowledge of the curriculum design team and their drive to provide a quality product for students and teachers.

What do you do at IXL? 

A part of each day is typically spent working on new skills. I may work on planning, designing, reviewing, or testing a skill. 

I also manage the assignments for our contract writers and editors. In addition, a part of my day is often spent reviewing textbook skill plans or working on short-term projects.

What are the 2-3 personal or professional qualities you use most in your job? 

Organization, time-management, and logical reasoning! Oftentimes, projects involve multiple people on the ELA team as well as writers, illustrators, engineers, and content production specialists. So staying organized and managing my time is important to make sure that nothing falls through the cracks and projects move forward. I enjoy logical reasoning which comes in handy when creating new skills or updating older skills.

What has working at IXL been like during the pandemic?

I have a home office and my kids are old enough that I don’t have to worry about homeschooling, so it’s been easy to transition to working from home. 

If you had to describe the ethos of IXL in one sentence, what would it be?

Everyone believes in the importance of providing quality education for students around the world.  

 

Life beyond IXL

What do you like to do in your free time? 

Take long walks with my dog or watch UNC basketball.

What’s your guilty pleasure? 

Adding chocolate to everything and sleeping in!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

A teacher!

How would your friends describe you?

My friends would probably describe me as level-headed. If they come to me for advice, they know that I’m going to hash out all scenarios and try to come up with a sensible response.