LaToya Dixon: The Educator
By Ruth Augustin '15
Published Tuesday, February 23, 2016
While growing up In Boynton Beach, Florida LaToya Dixon ‘05 was surrounded by a family full of educators. At a young age she knew that she wanted to teach, “I have always wanted to impact the world and help others. Going into the education field has been the perfect platform to do so,” LaToya shared. She pursued earned a degree in elementary education at the University of South Florida in Tampa. In 2005, LaToya decided that she wanted to pursue her masters in educational leadership at Lynn University.
While shifting from a larger university to a smaller institution, LaToya was aware of many differences. “The individualized attention is what I recall being most helpful to me at Lynn. I was completing my last course and in my 3rd trimester of pregnancy. My professor was very encouraging. I remember wanting to take the last semester off due to my delivery date. My professor encouraged me to keep going and he would work closely with me in the event I delivered before the end of the course,” Latoya recalled. At a large institution, a professor would not usually be able to work as closely with a student. The flexibility that Lynn has to offer within their classroom sizes, online and on campus courses made it possible for LaToya to simultaneously balance not only her teaching career, but motherhood.
In 2015, LaToya became the school principal of Village Academy. Prior to this she served as the Assistant Principal and Head Start Administrator. Her transition to principal was successful because of the supportive staff that surrounds her every single day. Throughout the centuries as education has changed, it greatly affects the administrators and instructors. “Sometimes education has you up and down shouting along the way as you are constantly keeping up with the trends of education for the 21st century. My major responsibilities include being an instructional leader, by this I mean that I am the facilitator of learning with students and colleagues. This entails making sound decisions regarding student achievement and school improvement, while providing a safe learning environment.”
While her inspiration of sharing knowledge continues to help her grow, LaToya works to collaborate with all of her colleagues in the field. “I also find inspiration in being lifelong learner and sharing what I have learned along the way to shape the lives of young people through education that will prepare students for college / career and beyond,” said LaToya. As she works to continue educating students, she shares her passion with others. As LaToya approaches her 20th year in education, she reflected on her journey and the steps that have led her to where she is today. “I am blessed to have been mentored by many educators that nurtured me along the way and having such a loving and supportive family. As I have traveled the journey of education, I always tried to surround myself with people who have poured into my career. Professional development has been a priority in the steps that I have taken in becoming a school administrator.” Her journey through education has been filled with many successes and we are certain that she will continue to succeed in the years to come.