“Working through and solving complex problems is a thrill because there is no easy answer, and sometimes there is no answer at all. Sure, achieving the answer is awesome; for me, the journey of solving the problem is fun.”
Duane Dixon, born and bred Texan, joined the New Meridian team in March of 2021 as a program manager after working as an educator in Houston for 22 years. While working at Houston Independent School District, he gained experience both in and out of the classroom. He handled all aspects of state online testing as an online testing administrator, managed contracts as a special projects manager all for 10 years, and taught math, music, and web design for 12 years.
Duane saw a chance to make a difference in the field of assessment by working at New Meridian, where he manages the Maine Science Assessment program. Every day he works with clients to tame complex schedules, create open lines of communication, and ensure that every question receives an answer. We sat down with Duane to discuss why he enjoys working in program management, the greater purpose of this work, and what #MyNewMeridianWay means to him.
What is your personal connection to the field of education?
I’ve worked in education for over two decades at varying levels and have always enjoyed learning. I started out in the classroom teaching a few different subjects at the High School for Performing and Visual Arts in Houston. I taught math, music theory, 20th Century Music Literature, all of which I studied in college, and web design. Beyond my time in the classroom, I worked closely with assessment systems and assessment data in different ways.
Quality assessments are a critical lever for expanding equity in education. I want to have a future where we have high-quality assessments that are truly reachable by all, no matter their background. There shouldn’t be barriers getting in the way of students receiving the knowledge they need to thrive.
What does equity in education mean to you?
To me, equity in education is when we can educate a person to their fullest, no matter their life situation. It means that a person’s potential is truly defined by them and their actions and not by their circumstances.
Which New Meridian value resonates most with you?
Working through and solving complex problems is a thrill because there is no easy answer and sometimes there is no answer at all. Sure, achieving the answer is awesome; for me, the journey of solving the problem is fun. I like looking at all the different pathways to a solution, trying a solution, trying again, and then learning. I enjoy how much I am constantly learning and growing in my job and in life. That’s #MyNewMeridianWay
At New Meridian, we have a dynamic team of people dedicated to making a difference. See our current job openings and hear from another staff member, Tauseef Khan, about what #MyNewMeridianWay means to him.
