Sydnee Dickson
Utah State Board of Education
San Diego, CA USA
"The meaning of success is knowing when you’ve made a difference in somebody else’s life."
Career Roadmap
Sydnee's work combines: Education, Government, and Accomplishing Goals
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Elementary Education and Teaching
Utah State University
Graduate Degree
Educational Leadership and Administration
Brigham Young University
Doctorate
Education Leadership and Policy
University of Utah
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a State Superintendent of Public Instruction:
Bachelor's Degree: Elementary Education and Teaching
Graduate Degree: Educational Leadership and Administration
Doctorate: Education Leadership and Policy
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
Growing up, I was inspired by my grandmother, who was also my teacher in a small two-room school.
2.
When I went to college, I initially thought I’d become a psychologist and potentially go to law school—however, I took an education class and was hooked!
3.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in elementary education and teaching from Utah State University.
4.
I eventually went on to earn a Master of Education degree in educational leadership and administration as well as a Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership and policy.
5.
I started my career as a teacher for fourth and sixth grade.
6.
Teaching led to other opportunities—I moved into counseling, administration, and other educational leadership positions.
7.
After 27 years, I transitioned to working in the office of the Utah State Board of Education and currently serve as Utah State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
I can't do this. It's too difficult.
How I responded:
I remember a specific incident in college that was especially discouraging. I was far from home, friends, and family. I didn't feel well and my car was stuck in the snow. I felt very discouraged. I considered giving up. I remember thinking, "I'm not going to fail. I will make it work." I changed my mindset and realized that no one else is going to bail me out. It's on me to work hard and get through this. I found new friends, took classes I was interested in, and committed to becoming a teacher.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I knew I wanted to go to college but I came from a family that did not go to college, so my parents couldn't really help me navigate that. Instead, I relied on my teachers and others to support me through the process.
I sometimes struggle with imposter syndrome and feel as if I'm not cut out for this role. But then I remember that we're actually all the same. We're all just trying to do hard things.