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From Educator to Advocate: Dr. Dawn Menge’s Global Mission


Dr. Dawn Menge’s journey as an educator, author, and humanitarian is a testament to her lifelong dedication to improving the lives of children with cognitive delays and contributing to underserved communities worldwide. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Dawn’s passion for empowering her students to advocate for themselves and achieve independence has been the driving force behind her career. Her influence extends beyond the classroom, with her contributions to both literature and film, as well as her involvement in global humanitarian efforts, earning her recognition and accolades internationally.


Empowering Students with Cognitive Delays: A Lifelong Mission

Dr. Menge has dedicated over twenty years to teaching students with severe cognitive delays, finding deep fulfillment in witnessing their personal growth. "Hearing a student say, ‘I can do it myself’ is magical," Dawn reflects. "It signifies their realization that they can accomplish tasks independently."


Her focus on self-advocacy and independence encourages students to develop life skills that prepare them for adulthood. Vocational training, alongside academic growth, helps these students transition into adulthood equipped to thrive. Dr. Menge recalls some of the highlights of her career, including helping her students learn to snow ski and earn money to swim with dolphins at Sea World. Their participation in the Special Education Prom each year also reflects her commitment to providing opportunities that stretch beyond the classroom, showing her dedication to both their personal and social development.


Mentoring new teachers is another passion of Dr. Menge’s, and she encourages them to lean on their peers for support. "Veteran teachers are here to help you," she says, "so don’t hesitate to ask for help in what can be a demanding environment."


A Pioneering Voice in Transition Education

Dr. Menge’s influence reaches beyond her classroom teaching. Her dissertation, The Six Federal Individual Education Plan Goals and the Effectiveness of Their Implementation in Preparing for Transition, explores how well schools prepare students for life beyond public education. "Transition is my passion," Dawn states. Her research underscores the importance of ensuring that students with cognitive delays have the resources and skills they need for success in adulthood.



Through her research, Dr. Menge realized that many parents were unaware of federal transitional goals, which are designed to prepare their children for independence. She has since dedicated herself to educating parents about these goals and how they can be implemented successfully through collaboration between families, schools, and community programs. This work ensures that students with cognitive delays receive the appropriate support to transition into adult programs and become independent, contributing members of their communities.


International Recognition: Awards and Achievements

Dr. Menge’s work has not gone unnoticed. She has earned 90 international literacy awards and 120 film festival awards, cementing her influence in both the literary and film worlds. Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Menge recalls her early days in the film festival circuit, where she received recognition from Conquering Disabilities through Film. This award opened the doors for her to enter her books into festivals worldwide, and she is now working toward the goal of winning a film festival in every country.


One of her most cherished awards comes from Story Monsters, an organization that has become a significant part of her literary career. Her friendship with Linda Radke, Story Monsters’ publisher, has helped her not only gain recognition but also give back by judging contests and writing reviews.


A Legacy for Her Grandchildren

At the heart of Dr. Menge’s motivation is her family, particularly her six grandchildren. The close-knit nature of her family was tested during a recent wildfire that forced her and her loved ones to evacuate, but they emerged stronger, reinforcing the deep bonds they share.


Dr. Menge’s Queen Vernita’s Visitors series, named after her grandmother, captures family adventures that she hopes will serve as a lasting legacy for her grandchildren. Through these stories, she aims to instill in them a love for the world and an understanding of the positive impact they can have. "Sharing the love of Queen Vernita and Queen Giggles around the world is one of the most cherished things we could have done as a family," she shares, reinforcing her belief in the power of storytelling to create lasting memories and lessons.



Giving Back: A Humanitarian Mission in Ghana

This December, Dr. Menge will take her passion for education and advocacy to Ghana, where she will work with the Cheerful Hearts Foundation. This nonprofit aims to help children escape sex trafficking and gain access to education. Dr. Menge is eager to visit schools supported by the foundation and bring much-needed supplies and books to the children.


Her trip to Ghana aligns with her broader mission of global humanitarian outreach, which includes her collaboration with other authors to distribute 500 copies of Voices of Change, a book filled with stories of resilience and personal growth. "Each child who rises above the horrors in which they live becomes a positive member of their community and helps other children," Dawn says, encapsulating her belief in the ripple effect of education. By participating in this mission, she hopes to create lasting change and empower these children to build better futures.


Inspiring Change Through Stories of Hope

Dr. Menge’s contribution to Voices of Change includes the story of Nuh, a man who fled war in Africa and resettled in the United States, where he learned English through her Queen Vernita’s Visitors books. Nuh’s journey from a nomadic lifestyle to finding community and connection in America is a testament to the transformative power of education. Dr. Menge is deeply honored that her work has played a role in his integration into a new life.


Through all of her endeavors, Dr. Menge hopes to inspire others to embrace resilience, growth, and innovation. Whether in her classroom, through her books, or in her humanitarian work, Dawn’s legacy is one of empowerment. She believes that stories have the power to change lives and inspire hope, and her goal is to continue spreading this message across the globe. Dr. Dawn Menge’s work will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations, showing them that one person can make a profound difference in the lives of many.


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