Dr. Dawn Menge Shaping Learning Through Inclusion and Literacy
Visionary Female Education Leader of the Year, 2026
Dr. Dawn Menge is a distinguished educator, author, and literacy advocate, and a co-founder and cornerstone of the Together We Create 4 Kids movement. With a PhD in Education specializing in Curriculum and Instruction, she has dedicated decades to teaching students with moderate and severe disabilities while expanding access to meaningful learning experiences for children and families.
Her work bridges classroom instruction, curriculum development, children’s literature, and community outreach, all guided by a strong belief in inclusive and purposeful education. In recognition of her impact and leadership in the education sector, The EliteX honors Dr. Dawn Menge as the Visionary Female Education Leader of the Year, 2026.
Her journey in education began with a deep commitment to learning, family, and service. She started her path at a local community college, where she earned a National Preschool Credential and an Associate of Science degree in Business Management. During this early stage, she found thoughtful ways to balance education, work, and motherhood. By volunteering in her mother’s kindergarten classroom, she gained valuable hands-on experience while also earning college credit. This supportive environment allowed her to bring her young children with her, blending her roles as a parent and a learner. These early experiences shaped her belief that education should be flexible, inclusive, and responsive to real-life needs.
Her professional career formally began when she started working as an educational assistant in a moderate to severe high school classroom. This role placed her directly in the world of special education, where she worked with students who had significant learning and cognitive challenges. She considers this period foundational, as she was fortunate to work alongside two dedicated teachers who mentored her closely. Their guidance helped her understand not only teaching strategies but also the importance of patience, empathy, and consistency when supporting students with complex needs. At the same time, she continued her own studies and earned a bachelor’s degree in human development, deepening her understanding of how children grow, learn, and communicate.
“Teaching is about building skills, confidence, and dignity for life.”
As her confidence and experience grew, Dr. Menge was given her first classroom of her own. This milestone marked an important shift from support roles to leadership in teaching. She completed her teaching credential and earned a master’s degree as an education specialist, focusing on moderate and severe disabilities. In her classroom, she worked daily with students who required highly individualized instruction, structured routines, and strong emotional support. She learned to adapt curriculum goals to meet each student where they were, while still holding high expectations for growth and independence. These years strengthened her belief that all students can learn when teaching is intentional and respectful of individual differences.
Her academic journey did not stop there. Driven by a desire to improve educational systems and teaching practices, Dr. Menge went on to complete her PhD in Education with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction. This advanced study allowed her to explore how curriculum design, instructional strategies, and policy decisions affect student outcomes, particularly for learners with disabilities. Her doctoral work combined theory with practice, drawing from her many years in the classroom. Through research and reflection, she developed a strong voice as an education leader who understands both the academic and human sides of teaching.
Dr. Menge has spent almost thirty years teaching students with moderate and severe disabilities. Throughout this time, she has remained deeply committed to her students and their families. She believes that education is not only about academic progress but also about dignity, life skills, communication, and preparation for adulthood. Her work has included helping students develop independence, social understanding, and confidence in their abilities. She has consistently advocated for meaningful inclusion and thoughtful transition planning, ensuring that students are supported beyond the classroom and into their next stages of life.
In addition to her classroom work, Dr. Menge has dedicated more than ten years to mentoring special education teachers. She understands the challenges that new educators face, especially in high-demand fields like special education. Through mentoring, she has supported teachers in classroom management, curriculum planning, compliance requirements, and emotional resilience. She has also served as an adjunct professor for six years, lecturing and mentoring graduate students who are preparing to enter the education field. Although she is not currently teaching at the university level, her impact on future educators continues through her guidance, writing, and professional engagement.
“Stories help children learn while feeling seen and understood.”
Her role as an education leader expanded significantly through her work as an author. In 2008, following the publication of her first book, she became the CEO of Land of Quails House. Writing became a powerful extension of her teaching, allowing her to reach children and educators far beyond her own classroom. Her books are rooted in educational standards while remaining accessible, engaging, and culturally meaningful. She approaches storytelling as a teaching tool, designed to support literacy, language development, math skills, and global awareness.
Dr. Menge is best known for the Queen Vernita’s Educational Series and Queen Giggles Kingdom. These works have been used in classrooms around the world and have had a particularly strong impact in diverse learning environments. One of the most meaningful outcomes of her work has been seeing her books used by immigrant students who are learning English. Through her stories, children have developed language and math skills while also finding connections to their home cultures. This ability to blend learning with belonging reflects her deep understanding of how education supports identity and confidence.
Her books have received extraordinary recognition, earning ninety international literacy awards and more than two hundred film festival awards. These honors reflect not only the quality of her writing but also its educational value and social impact. Among her many recognitions are awards from film festivals focused on children, disabilities, and educational storytelling. She has also received prestigious honors such as the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, recognition from international professional organizations, and special education and author awards from respected platforms. These achievements highlight her unique ability to bridge education, literature, and media in meaningful ways.
Dr. Menge’s published academic work further demonstrates her expertise and dedication to improving education systems. Her research includes a detailed examination of federal Individual Education Plan goals and how effectively they are implemented to prepare students for transition. This work reflects her long-standing commitment to ensuring that students with disabilities are not only supported during their school years but are also prepared for life beyond school. Her research is informed by real classroom experience, making it practical, relevant, and grounded in the realities educators face every day.
“Education becomes meaningful when inclusion is part of everyday practice.”
Throughout her career, Dr. Menge has maintained a clear focus on children with severe cognitive delays. She has taught these students for over twenty years, continually refining her instructional approaches to meet complex needs. She believes in structured learning environments that are also nurturing and responsive. Her teaching emphasizes consistency, clear communication, and individualized goals, while always recognizing the strengths each student brings. This philosophy has guided her work as a teacher, mentor, researcher, and author.
Her leadership in education extends beyond schools and books into community-based initiatives. She plays an active role in literacy advocacy and educational outreach, working to ensure that children and families have access to quality learning resources. She strongly believes that education should not be limited by location, income, or background. This belief has led her to support and shape initiatives that bring books, learning materials, and educational experiences directly to communities.
Dr. Menge’s work reflects a rare combination of academic depth, practical experience, and creative expression. She understands curriculum and instruction at a high level, but she also understands the everyday realities of classrooms, families, and children with diverse needs. Her ability to translate complex educational ideas into simple, engaging content has made her a trusted voice among educators and parents alike. She approaches leadership not as authority, but as service, guided by the belief that education is most powerful when it is inclusive and compassionate.
Over the years, she has remained committed to lifelong learning. Her own educational journey, from community college to doctoral studies, serves as a powerful example for her students and colleagues. She often reflects on the importance of mentorship, flexibility, and perseverance, values that have shaped her path and continue to guide her work. By sharing her experiences through teaching, writing, and speaking, she encourages others to see education as an evolving journey rather than a fixed destination.
Dr. Dawn Menge’s impact cannot be measured only by awards or titles. It is seen in the students who have gained confidence and skills, the teachers who have found guidance and support, and the children around the world who have discovered joy in learning through her stories. Her career stands as a testament to what is possible when education is approached with purpose, creativity, and care. Through decades of service, she has built a legacy rooted in literacy, inclusion, and a deep belief in the potential of every learner.
“Every child can learn when teaching meets them where they are.”
