***Wake Up Everbody: A School Teacher of Distinction:***

Happy Wednesday Golden Divas!

“Wake up all the teachers time to teach a new way
Maybe then they’ll listen to what you have to say
Cause they’re the ones who’s coming up and the world is in their hands
When you teach the children teach them the very best you can”

The teachers in Chicago Public Schools (the third-largest district) returned to school after an 11-day strike last Friday. So, this post is coming off of teacher activism and the educational gain and outcome of all students in the city’s school system.

The walk-out was not just about an increase in salary; however, you can’t say that a teacher does this only for the call of duty because the money he or she gets from teaching is on a lower scale than that of the people who chose to serve in another field. But they stick to it, nevertheless, because of the love they possess for the profession.

Ladies, the teacher’s goals went far beyond their finances; it included having full-time nurses, social workers, and librarians in all schools, expanding counseling services, smaller classes, and the recruitment of more black and Hispanic teachers.

“Whether you are here in Chicago or another state all students deserve to be on the same playing field of education with equal opportunities to advance their learning.”

Golden Divas did you know when it comes to who is the cream of the crop; usually, teachers get overlooked. Also, did you know just like being a mother teaching is one of the hardest but most fulfilling professions in the world?

Think about it, being a teacher requires love, patience, and dedication, in addition to skills, knowledge, and leadership abilities?

Unlike many other professions, being a teacher requires a heart – a heart that cares, a patient heart, a heart that understands. A heart to go the distance as the CPST did in the most recent strike.

Although this post is not about the CPS strike, it was well worth mentioning the depths teachers will go through for their students. However, this strike took me back to when I was in grammar school and how my favorite teacher impacted my life, molding, and sculpting me to the woman who I am today.

Yes, I must admit, like many people once upon a time, I disliked my teachers at times because of the load of work or assignments they gave me, but at the end of the day, I truly appreciated it. It built my character, and it created good study habits for me to stay focus on my learning.

I so appreciated that there was someone who was caring enough to teach and guide me not just in studies and inside the classroom, but in real life as well. Thank you, Ms. Lynch, she was my 2nd and 4th-grade teacher, she pushed my creativity in writing and art.

Just like I appreciated Ms. Lynch to push me further, I wanted to shine a light and recognize this Golden Diva in this interview who just so happens to be another dynamic teacher who is a trailblazer within her colleagues and students.

If I had a Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching & Leadership, I would give it to my next guest for her contributions to building a stronger, better-educated society.

I met this beautiful, extremely smart, Golden Diva over thirty years ago, and if you know the Brown family each one of Fred’s and Eleanor children are very talented and smart. I knew then that she was unique and had a heart for helping others to achieve their goals. I, at the time, didn’t know what path she will be taking; nonetheless, I am so glad she chose early education. To have a hand at helping and developing our children for the future is an honorable profession and a blessing. Thank you for going the extra mile your students will forever appreciate you for molding and shaping their minds to become a great asset in the world in which they live!!

MEET TERESA BROWN-DIXON

Teresa Brown Dixon 53 years old soon to be 54 in December, is originally from Chicago, Illinois, and currently lives in Conyers, Georgia, with her 14-year-old son and husband of 22 years. Teresa has worked in early education for over 30 years, and over 20 years were spent as a Christian teacher for the Lutheran church. Teresa has served in many roles in her career; teacher, principal, director, and parent liaison, to name a few. In 2011, Teresa published the book ‘Revelations From The Struggle’, a collection of inspirational lessons gleaned from her experiences. Teresa’s hobbies include knitting, crocheting, writing, and reading. Teresa currently teaches Georgia Pre k for childcare Network, in Conyers. She is active in ministry at Springfield Baptist Church; Conyers is the owner of Awesome Opportunity Consultants a tutorial and educational consulting company. Teresa has received multiple grants and awards in both Georgia and Illinois. In 2018, Teresa was one of three finalists for Georgia Pre K teacher of the year. Golden Divas before you read this heartwarming interview on Teresa’s journey of becoming a ‘Gifted Teacher’ check out one of my favorite songs “Wake Up Everbody” by Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes. Teddy Pendergrass is all over this song!

IN CONVERSATION WITH TERESA BROWN-DIXON

C50: Why did you become a teacher?

TBD: I have wanted to be a teacher since I was seven years old. I wanted to be a pastor until my pastor told me I couldn’t be one in our denomination, but he connected me to one of the teachers in our church, and I was hooked. In addition, I had the most incredible second-grade teacher who I have tried to emulate during my teaching career.

C50: Why did you want to teach at the early education level?

TBD: I love working with young children. I wanted to work with children birth to third grade because I love being part of a child’s beginning educational journey. I love teaching children to read, and that moment when a child learns something for the first time. This is the time in their lives that everything is awesome, and they love learning new things.

C50: What is your educational background?

TBD: My educational background includes the following: I attended Fenger High School in Chicago, and then Harold Washington College, where I received my AA in Child Development and infant-toddler care.

I went to Concordia University, River Forest, and received a BA in Early Childhood. Concordia University, Portland, I received an M.Ed. Special Education, curriculum and instruction and I am currently in the final stage of completing my doctorate in higher education.

“I am an early education trainer, certified in mental first aid and Prepare and Enrich family guidance in addition to the required certification needed to work in an early education facility.”

C50: Do you believe in teaching to each student’s passion?

TBD: I absolutely do! I do an individual plan for each of my students. I find out how they learn best and prepare lessons to help them reach their goals. It may seem like a lot, but all the children can benefit from a lesson designed for one.

C50: What has been the best role in your career; (teacher, principal, director, or parent liaison) that you felt helped your students out the most?

TBD: I believe the role of a teacher has been the most impactful for my students. Where the other positions allowed me to impact the organization and or the community, my teaching career allows me to influence the individual.

C50: Describe your best professional development experience.

TBD: I would have to say my time as a presenter/trainer would be the best professional development experience. These opportunities allow me to research current topics in education and meet new people. I love meeting educational professionals and talking about our passion.

C50: How much do you want to know about your students to be most helpful to them?

TBD: I want to know it all! What they love/don’t like, what they dream about, and how they want to affect the world. I also want to know what they want to learn, and what is the best way I can help them reach their goals.

C50: What is the most challenging aspect of teaching today?

TBD: The most challenging aspect of teaching today is competing with the digital world. It is hard to get a kid hooked on books when there are games that flash and talk to you.

C50: What is the one thing that you would want your students to grasp in school?

TBD: I want my students to grasp that they can do anything, learn anything, and be anything! I also want them to learn that if they never hear the words, I love you from any other person; they will hear it from me.

C50: How did it feel to be nominated for teacher of the year?

TBD: I have been nominated for teacher of the year three times. Once in Chicago, for the Chicagoland Lutheran Education Foundation and I won. The second time was for my school in Georgia, Children’s Friend, which I won again. I recently received a nomination for Georgia pre K teacher of the year.

Off all the nominations this was the most incredible! To think I was one of the top three private school pre k teachers in the STATE was mind-blowing! The day was fantastic, and the experience humbles me. It is something I will never forget.

BONUS QUESTION

C50: How do you measure teacher success?

TBD: This is an interesting question! I guess that for me, the measure of a successful teaching career would be the legacy of the student you have taught. I love seeing my former students and their success. Over the past 30 plus years, I have taught hundreds of children who are now successful, teachers, lawyers, medical professionals, parents, and law enforcement officers to name a few.

My heart explodes when I see them on social media or in-person, and they thank me for being their teacher. I also love that we have remained friends over the years. We are a family. I love my babies!

C50: There you have it Golden Divas….The Golden Apple Award of Excellence from Club Fifty goes to Teresa Brown-Dixon for her outstanding work in Teaching & Leadership. Well done to one of my favorite teachers.

Teresa Brown-Dixon