Meet Dina Pedersen | Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dina Pedersen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The reason I wanted to start my own business is because I want to make a DIFFERENCE. I have always been a passionate teacher. My heart fills with joy when a student is thriving in the classroom or in life. After 25+ years of classroom instruction, I decided to retire from a very successful career. I took great pride watching from the sidelines as my past students graduated and entered adulthood. My passion continues and I enjoy helping kids learn new strategies and watching them become victorious. I started BrainiacZone.com to offer my caring passion to kids that need an extra boost or to learn how to use strategies to overcome and become successful. A lot of students just need someone to believe in them. I am not a fan of cookie cutter tutorials based on large company lesson plans. I learn what each child needs to be successful and tailor instruction and teach techniques based on the child’s needs and goals.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It all began in 1987 (WOW, that is a long time ago). I began my career as a 2nd grade teacher at Heights Elementary in Texas City, Texas. I walked into that first classroom without a clue how important this career would be to me. Throughout the next 33 years I poured my heart and soul into my classes. Some years were easier than others, but everyone of them was worth it. I have taught in three school districts and many grade levels. A big piece of my classroom career has been serving middle/junior high students. I really found a home with these wonderful young people. There is nothing better than to watch them mature and grow into thriving students. I also had the honor of serving as the Language Arts Department Chair and have served on more committees than I can count. My teaching certifications include: Elementary Education grades 1 – 8, Reading Specialization grades 1 – 8, ESL Supplemental Certificate, Gifted and Talented Supplemental Certificate, Family and Consumer Science Endorsement.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A friend is visiting the area and of course we must go to Galveston, Texas. Growing up in La Marque, just a short drive over the causeway, I spent many a hot, summer day on the island. Plus my parents were both born on the island or better known as BOI. I would highly recommend staying on the island for a few days in a vacation rental house on west beach or maybe an historical house in the Silk Stocking District.

Days would be filled with long walks along the shore, laying under an umbrella, soaking in a good book, a cold drink in hand. Also a visit to Moody Gardens is a must, and enjoy a trip to a tropical rainforest. One might also want to visit the many museums such as Texas Seaport Museum and take a look at the Tall Ship Elissa. A stroll along the Strand is much more than cute shops and eateries, but the Victorian architecture takes you back to another time. In the summertime ghost tours are available and what fun can be had exploring the past spirits that strolled old Galveston.

Galveston is a vacation destination for all ages, there is something for everyone, Best part is it is a short drive to explore what nature has to offer, but also a taste of the past.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Inspiration to start BrainiacZone.com came from watching the success of my past students. During this time of year my social media is filled with celebrations. Just today I enjoyed pictures of graduations (both high school and college), junior high students being inducted into the Junior National Honor Society, high school students receiving academic awards, band and choir concerts. Every time I see these wonderful moments I feel very proud to have been a part of their educational journey. On the other hand, when I read bad news that a former student is in trouble my heart aches, and I wonder if I could have done more.

I believe in the students of today. I believe they will explore space and also save our beautiful planet. I am proud to call myself an educator, and I know ALL of my students made me a better person. I am forever THANKFUL!

Website: www.BrainiacZone.com

Instagram: brainiaczone

Linkedin: Dina Pedersen

Twitter: @brainiaczone

Facebook: Brainiac Zone