Home • Cultivating Exceptional Minds

A full range of curriculum, content & resources for busy and new teachers that teach alternate standards

spend less time creating curriculum and more time doing the things you love

Be the best teacher for your students without feeling burnt out or overwhelmed with where to start

You are not alone in this journey, let me walk with you and provide ideas and resources. Get a step-by-step workbook created with Special Educators in mind here.

Are you in the “Where do I even start as a special education teacher” frustration loop?!

We provide a precise Roadmap and Tools for teaching alternative education standards to best meet your student’s individual needs.

We are the only special education content creator, with 10 yrs education and leadership experience, that provides digital and tangible products and resources, to both new and seasoned educators.

If you need reassurance and a bit of guidance,
we’ve got you covered!

I want to help make you shine in your classroom and help you spend less time developing material and more time teaching those you get to influence

Special Education teachers wear so many hats throughout the day- but I am here to link arms with you and be a breath of fresh air-go ahead, take that deep breath– as you go on this journey.

No matter if you’re:

A first-year teacher who just landed their very first job, yet realizes they don’t know where to start
A well-seasoned veteran who is always looking for new and innovative ways to teach their students with disabilities
In a new self-contained classroom and realize there isn’t a whole lot of support for teaching the standards to your students like general ed teachers have
Someone who needs some fresh ideas for implementing the alternate curriculum and meeting your student's needs

YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I REPEAT: YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO THIS ALONE.

I got you, girl!

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What others are saying about CEM:

This makes IEP meetings run seamlessly! It does not matter if you are a veteran or a newcomer to special ed, this packet makes you a pro at meetings! It also takes the stress and nerves out of preparing for them because everything you need to remember and do is laid out for you!

This is so much fun for students! I love all of the variety of activities offered. Students will love how hands-on and engaging learning is with these. Thank you!

I have had the pleasure of being able to work with Dawn on Cultivating Exceptional Minds this past year. She has been very responsive to my questions and I really appreciate her willingness to work with me and the other teachers at our school. She has had great ideas to help us meet the needs of our students, and helps us focus on the positive behaviors that we can build upon. The resources she provides are very helpful, and easy to use in the classroom on a daily basis!

Cultivating Exceptional Minds has been a great resource for me! Dawn has a knack for explaining concepts in ways that are easily digestible and applicable to the classroom. I'm always excited to see what new ideas and resources she has for us!

CEM is a great resource for new and experienced special education teachers. Dawn offers great ideas, strategies, and information to help you in the classroom. A must have for any special education teacher!