Dawn Howard Email & Phone Number

I have 14 years of experience in the classroom working with high school students with a variety of learning challenges, their families, and related service providers. I also have 13 years of experience working for a service center as a transition adviser. This experience provided me the opportunity to serve junior high and high school students in 7 school districts which allowed me to experience the various philosophies and teaching strategies of many educators as well as the differences in special education processes and protocols across districts. In addition to my work experience, I have also been able to serve on the USD 208 Board of Education which has broadened my knowledge and helped me see the "big picture" in regard to public education. Working for the Northwest Kansas Educational Service Center helped build my skills as a professional. I was a member of the ASSIST team, which increased my knowledge in Autism Spectrum Disorders and helped me become adept in the administration of the TTAP assessment to students on the spectrum. This accumulation of experience led me to my latest adventure. I’m developing a program for 18-21 year olds. The WeKan Center is a separate setting, a transition from the Hays High School ; where young adults are learning daily living skills, employment skills, and how to navigate and access the community. These young adults use real projects and work experiences to increase their employment skills as well as self-advocacy, work ethic, and independence. I also spent 3 years presenting, through the Transition Coalition at the University of Kansas and TASN, to peers in Kansas, from Pratt, to Liberal, to Oakley. This, along with being on the audit team, has helped me become a very well rounded and proficient educator and service provider.