Marlo Dinkins

I really would contribute a lot of my success to my family support. My family was always there when I needed guidance or needed good advice. One piece of advice that I really appreciate started from when I graduated from high school - my grandfather gave me a card, and when I opened that card, it said 'be wise.' I never forgot that. It really helped streamline my journey, reminding me to make wise decisions, respect those around you, and always show that passion you have for education or any career path you follow, that you are doing it because you love it. Of course, the monetary results at the end, but that you love what you do. So that 'being wise' was a great motivator for me, and where I felt well supported.

The best career advice I ever received came from my grandfather when I graduated from high school. He gave me a card that said 'be wise.' I never forgot that advice. It has really helped streamline my journey, reminding me to make wise decisions, respect those around me, and always show passion for what I do. It taught me to pursue my career because I love it, not just for the monetary results. That simple message - 'be wise' - has been a great motivator throughout my entire career.

I would say to set SMART goals - that SMART goal model, being specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time bound. Set SMART goals, and what that can look like is making small steps. If it's a goal that you want to accomplish in 2 weeks, plan that first. If it's a long-term goal, break it down, but create those smart goals and forgive yourself if you don't reach it at that time point. You know, extend it, but go back to writing down the goals, planning it, being intentional. I really contribute a lot of my accomplishments to setting goals and writing them down. If it's a weekly goal, have it in your journal, but definitely create attainable goals that are going to help you with your journey.

I would definitely say one of the biggest challenges is teacher retention. A lot of teachers have burnout right now, and that's why I go back to that piece of self-care. During my workshops and trainings, in the beginning and at the end, I like to do a grounding self-care activity so I can model some strategies that teachers can implement when they're feeling stressed. At the end, I like to have them do a little self-reflection and an ending activity so they can find different ways to cope when they're feeling overwhelmed - breathing techniques, taking walks, taking time away from the computer. The challenges have been really tough with the consistency with teachers right now, whether it's the lower pay or just the overall challenging behaviors being exhibited in the classroom. Some teachers are really struggling or not feeling supported, so that teacher retention is the biggest piece.

My biggest values are integrity, being honest with individuals. I think that's why I have such strong relationships with my friends, families, and coworkers - I practice that integrity. I also did a Strength Finder test, and one of my strengths is that I'm an includer. I feel that in any environment I am in, I can look across the room and pinpoint that person who looks like they're feeling uncomfortable, and I'm able to approach them and include them in whatever is taking place. I'm definitely that includer. And then, again, innovative. I appreciate the fact that I'm very innovative. I think outside the box in many things that I do, and I think that's why many times in my workplace or even in my family home setting, I'm able to create that type of setting that is different, that is not the same. It brings out different perspectives for activities, workshops, my coaching. I just have that little twist in my approach that brings out that innovative part of me.