The testing center is often seen as a nerve-racking place, which is no surprise since the reason for going there is to do one thing: take a test. However, if you visit the testing center this year, you will see some noticeable changes in décor and staff. New testing center clerk Allison Beckwith comes to District 219 from Valor Voyager Academy, a middle school in Nashville, Tennessee. She lived in Nashville for two years but originally came from Decatur, Illinois.
Beckwith was a special education teacher at Valor Voyager Academy, but when she moved back to Illinois and interviewed for a position at Niles West, Assistant Principal Steven Parnther believed she was a great fit for the testing center.
“Ms. Beckwith has a strong background in organization and excellent communication skills. I believe these qualities would translate well to managing the testing center, where attention to detail and the ability to work with diverse students and staff are crucial. I saw her potential to bring a fresh perspective and a positive impact on our testing processes,” Panther said.
She was drawn to this school because of how large and different it is compared to the schools she was a part of in the past.
“When I had my first interview here, I was really impressed. I went to a very, very tiny school, so this place seems huge to me. Talking with Mr. Parther I really got a good vibe from him and from everyone I talked to,” Beckwith said.
Beckwith’s tasks include distributing tests to ensure academic honesty, organizing materials to return to teacher mailboxes and communicating with teachers about tests. She says that the hardest part of her job is taking a student’s test away from them when the bell rings because she understands what it feels like to be in their shoes.
Beckwith is also studying to be a graphic designer. She likes that the testing center is a quiet environment that allows her to meet students from all walks of life. Beckwith seeks to soothe students’ fears by giving the room a new look.
“I wanted it to be a classroom I would have liked to be in when I was in high school. I also really wanted it to be a calm and relaxing place that students hopefully don’t dread coming to,” Beckwith said.
Beckwith’s tactics of using décor seems to be working because students like junior Diya Patel feel that the room helps the test-taking process more pleasant.
“I like the room! The cute decorations that were put up near the front desk made the place feel homey and more comfortable for test taking. Ms. Beckwith was very nice and patient with students. If the bell rang and kids were still finishing up their tests then she wouldn’t rush them to much, but kindly reminded them to finish up,” Patel said.
Outside of school, Beckwith enjoys playing her guitar, crocheting and doing her graphic design homework.
