Dinah Brown
Carlsbad, CA USA
"Teaching is a calling, not a job."
Career Roadmap
Dinah's work combines: Education, Numbers, and Teaching / Mentoring
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bellflower High School
Bachelor's Degree
Elementary Education and Teaching
Fullerton College
Graduate Degree
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
California State University, Fullerton
Graduate Degree
Clear Multiple Subject Credentials
California State University, Fullerton
Doctorate
Curriculum and Instruction
University of California, San Diego
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Co-Director of SDSU CGI Professional Development:
Bachelor's Degree: Elementary Education and Teaching
Graduate Degree: Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
Graduate Degree: Clear Multiple Subject Credentials
Doctorate: Curriculum and Instruction
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Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I got married right after high school, so I didn't go to college. After I divorced, I wanted to return to school, so I signed up for some pre-veterinarian classes since that was my dream.
2.
Then, I decided to do some volunteering at an Elementary School. After my first day of volunteering I realized I wanted to become a teacher.
3.
So, I went to Fullerton College and managed to sign up for four classes in order to start my journey to become a teacher, and I cancelled my veterinarian classes.
4.
Then, I went to CSUF after completing my time at Fullerton College. I got my degree, and before finishing my time at CSUF I was already employed as a teacher.
5.
I then graduated from CSUF and immediately began working as an Elementary School teacher. I was a Teacher in Residence at SDSU. I was a classroom teacher for 18 years, before I left the classroom.
6.
When I first started training teachers with CGI, Cognitively Guided Instruction, I worked with teachers in my district, districts near me, and teachers in other states.
7.
When I was getting ready to retire, I was approached by San Diego State to help establish a CGI Professional Development Center at San Diego State.
8.
I am currently the Co-Director of SDSU CGI Professional Development Collaborative, and work with different school districts, to support teachers learning new ways of instruction in mathematics.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Parents:
I do not remember hearing any discouragement about pursing college or my teaching dreams. As a first generation college graduate, I was celebrated. My family and the educators I worked with were very helpful and encouraging.
How I responded:
Luckily, I didn't hear much discouragement, but when I hear noise or get discouraged about anything I believe in, I try to stay focused on my purpose in what I am doing. I always try to stay positive, but most of all, my parents and mentors taught me to work hard.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I've overcome this obstacle by realizing that I have to find balance between my career and personal life. I care about my children and my students, so I just had to make myself understand that being a mom and teacher sometimes required sacrifices.