Dinah Brown
Co-Director of SDSU CGI Professional Development
“Teaching is a calling, not a job.”
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bellflower High School
Bellflower High School
Graduate
Clear Multiple Subject Credentials
California State University, Fullerton
Clear Multiple Subject Credentials
California State University, Fullerton
Career
Co-Director of SDSU CGI Professional Development
Provide Professional Learning for teachers in Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI).
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Education
Numbers
Teaching / Mentoring
Day to Day
On a typical day, before COVID, I would go to school districts and work with teachers in Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) which is a research project that supports teachers in learning about how kids solve problems without being taught specific procedures. Those sessions sometimes involved model lessons in classrooms. I am still providing teacher professional learning, but currently teaching through Zoom and Google Classroom.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
I recommend volunteering in a classroom before making your decision to become a teacher. Teaching is a calling, not a job. I have been lucky to have a profession that I love and do not see it as a job. Teaching is the most worthwhile profession, but it is hard work. Find a teacher or program you can support and make sure teaching is what you want to do. If it is, you will know it immediately and it will become your passion, not your job.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Graduate
Clear Multiple Subject Credentials
Clear Multiple Subject Credentials
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
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."
Challenges I Overcame
Working Parent
Q&A
How and in what ways did your parents support your education?
Asked by Anonymous StudentMy parents were always supportive of my education, and when I decided to return to school they even paid for my apartment. Not only did my parents support me, but sibling and people in my church group really helped me pursue my education dream.
What made you choose your major at CSUF?
Asked by Anonymous StudentWhile I was volunteering at an Elementary School, I was tasked with walking the students to the bus, one boy named Juan held my hand all the way their and waved goodbye to me, thats when I realized I had to be a teacher.
What did you do immediately after college?
Asked by Anonymous StudentI was luck to have had been employed were I completed my student teaching. So, I already had a job when I graduate from CSUF. I went straight into teaching, and spent my life being a teacher for about 18 years.
What keeps you passionate about your work?
Asked by Anonymous StudentWhat keeps me interested is the fact that giving a math worksheet is simple, however, teaching the way I believe should be taught requires a lot of work and effort. Therefore, I believe I should find easier ways for teachers to teach my way.
What are you most proud of your career so far?
Asked by Anonymous StudentI am proud of my work with CGI, because if I can change math instructions for as many teachers as I can, in turn I can help twice as many kids, therefore, giving them an opportunity to succeed in math.
Interviewed By
Anonymous Student
Student at CSUF
