The Power of the 5 Ps

About the Book

Let not your true purpose be defined by the organization, the system . . . or that you be defined by it!

Understand the policies and laws that dictate what you should say or do within the boundaries of the system.

Excel in the practices of your field, defining what and how you perform your art and how you shall be known!

Seek out people of quality who provide guidance and truly care about your success.

Yield to prayer , maintaining your faith in good and bad times even when things don’t make sense, knowing your goal is to make a difference!

Professional educators are now living in an era where there is increased concern about the quality of education in public schools in America. States are beginning to take a greater role in monitoring and maintaining higher academic standards. Communities across the country are scrutinizing the expense of public education. Local school districts are expressing concern about the district’s ability to continue providing high-quality teaching and other related services with diminishing resources. Parents everywhere, regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or cultural family background want the assurance that their child will receive adequate and appropriate academic preparation that will lead to a productive livelihood for their child’s future.

The intended result of this book is to serve as a guide and inspiration to educators whether they serve in the capacity of a teacher, paraprofessional, or administrator as they continue their journey in the field of public education, especially during these most challenging times. America needs every person involved in the education of youth to remain steadfast. Each educator makes a difference in the lives of youth. America’s youth need and are counting on you.

About the Author

Dr. Marva T. Dixon retired from Grand Prairie ISD in June 2012 as the Executive Director of Innovation and Support responsible for the following major areas: Competitive Grants including grant writing training and Procedures, District AVID Director, Researching, and implementing Innovative Projects, Multicultural/Diversity, General Education Homebound Services, Innovative Projects, Oversight of Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities, and special projects assigned by superintendent. Dr. Dixon started the first AVID program in GPISD. Dr. Dixon served as the Co-chair for the Texas Commissioner on Standards for the Teaching Profession (now SBEC) for seven years during the period when Texas underwent major Educator Preparation Reform. Working with SBEC (State Board of Educator Certification), she also played a major role in helping to develop the accountability system for educator preparation programs (ASEP) in Texas. She has also served as the Director of General Curriculum Services for the Department of Special education is GPISD. Dr. Dixon has been a classroom teacher at all levels, and served as a campus principal for 18 years. She has also taught classes in educational leadership and special education Legal issues for UTA, TCU and TWU and continues to serve as a guest lecturer. Dr. Dixon is a native of Murfreesboro, North Carolina where she received a BA and M. Ed. From North Carolina Central University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the areas of intermediate Education with emphasizes in Math and ELA and Special Education. Dr. Dixon has many certifications including in Superintendent, Mid-management and counseling, special education and professional counseling, Math and ELA. She received her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction and Administration from the University of North Texas. Dr. Dixon is a published author and has served on numerous national, state and regional commissions and tasks forces. Dr. Dixon serves as an educational consultant, motivational and keynote speaker for national, regional and local organizations. Her honors and awards are numerous including: 2012 NAACP President’s Award 2010 Career Communications Group – STEM Education Leadership Award 2010 Saint John Baptist Church Educational Leadership Award 2009 NAACP Thurgood Marshall Award 2008 Princeton Premier – Business and Professionals Honoree 2006 Region X “Celebrating the Achievement of Remarkable Women”– “2006 SHERO” 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award – Grand Branch NAACP 2006 State Representative Kirk England Certificate of Appreciation – City of Grand Prairie Disable Services Commission Expo 2005 Thurgood Marshall Educational Leadership Award - Grand Prairie Branch NAACP 2004 Certificate of Excellence Parent and Community Conference 2002 Consortium of Doctors Inductees – Los Angeles, California 1997 Achievement in Educational Excellence Award - Grand Branch Prairie NAACP 1997 UTA Educational Leadership – “Dream Conceiver Award” 1990 2000 Most Notable Women Award 1988 Who’s Who Among American Educators 1981 Teacher of the Year – Jackson Middle School – GPISD 1979 Young Career Woman Award – Durham, N. C. 1977 Teacher of the Year – Durham County Schools, N. C. What Dr. Dixon really wants people to know about her is that she is an advocate for all students and wants to live a legacy of truly making a difference in the lives of students!