Behind the Cube: Back-to-School Edition
It’s back-to-school season for PreK-12 educators across the country — which means that educators everywhere are welcoming students back to the classroom for new learning experiences. It also means that those educators are gearing up to make use of new learning tools, student data portals, and their school’s available technology and systems. For us, the back-to-school season is about ensuring that all of these educators are able to access the tools, data, and systems they need seamlessly, so they can get back to the exciting work of teaching and learning.
That’s why for this edition of Behind the Cube, we’re focusing on one of our team members who are experts at driving a successful back-to-school season.
Today’s highlight: Jen Detty, Solution Architect for Open Territory, Central Atlantic
Can you describe your role at McGraw-Hill?
My role at McGraw-Hill is one that seems to change a bit with each back-to-school season. My job title is Solution Architect for Open Territory, Central Atlantic.
My Central Atlantic team members and I work to create integration solutions and make them a reality for our customers. The customers I work with are in technology and curriculum, and are on the front lines making sure everything is up and running for teacher and student access for the start of the school year.
What does the back-to-school season hold for you? How do you prepare?
Back-to-school season holds for me increased calls, integration numbers, emails and longer work days. I am blessed with an awesome team in Open Territory; which helps makes back-to-school season a lot better. I start by creating and running reports to review which customers have requested calls from us. My goal is to make sure I am prepared for upcoming calls and to map out what my day/week will entail. I am not always successful with my prep though as there always seems to be a curve ball or three thrown in the middle. The point is — I make it through the week and always can say, one more week closer to the end of back-to-school!
What are some of the challenges you face during back-to-school?
Some of the challenges I face during back-to-school would be how to balance life and work. Outside of work, I try to make sure that I have a few “fun things” to do. Now that I am in a new state, there is so much to see and explore; which will help reduce stress. Of course — there is also my pets. As crazy as they are, they do make me laugh.
How has back-to-school preparation changed over the years?
Back-to-school preparation has changed a lot for me over the years. I’ve held various roles in my 24 years with the company. From changes in departments, leadership, policies and of course technology; change is a part of what we do.
Change itself is always present and keeps our company ever-evolving. Our updates to policies and technology helps us give our customers the best possible options.
For me, back-to-school prep spans mostly from my time with Digital Technical Support — moving away from supporting floppy disks (yes, disks), explaining the difference between CDs and DVDs and now working with districts and my team to find the best integration solutions for their unique needs. Even the how we obtain data for our integration has changed for the better!
For resources and support to help you start the school year with confidence, visit our Back-to-School Preparedness Page.
In addition to program and implementation support, it is our goal to support you on your professional journey as you perfect your craft. Here are just few resources on trending educational topics that you can utilize as you prepare to start the school year.
