Dawn A. Rowe, Ph.D., is the Quillen Chair of Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Clemmer College and Professor of Special Education at East Tennessee State University. With a rich background in the adult service system and experience as a teacher and transition specialist for youth with disabilities in public schools, Dr. Rowe’s proficiency extends beyond compliance with IDEA Part B Indicators 1 (graduation), 2 (dropout), 13 (secondary transition components of the IEP), and 14 (post-school outcomes).
With over two decades of experience, her research focuses on evidence-based practices and predictors of post-school success for students with disabilities, life skills interventions (including goal setting, self-management, and communication skills), and professional development for educators and families. Dr. Rowe’s work includes implementing practices to enhance post-school outcomes, delivering life skills training, and providing targeted professional development. Her extensive background spans roles in the adult service system and as a teacher and transition specialist. Her scholarship emphasizes transition assessment, family engagement, and adherence to federal regulations like IDEA and WIOA, reflecting her commitment to improving educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
Keynote Speech - From Transition to Transformation: Systems that Empower, Not Limit
What does it truly mean to prepare students with disabilities for life beyond high school? Too often, transition is treated as a checklist—something to manage, rather than a springboard for transformation. In this keynote, we’ll reframe transition planning as an opportunity to create empowered pathways, grounded in self-determination, high expectations, and community-connected support systems.
Drawing from real-world examples, emerging research, and lived experiences, this session explores how schools, families, and community partners can co-create systems that empower rather than limit. Participants will examine how inclusive mindsets, and person-centered thinking can transform transition from a compliance activity into a launchpad for lifelong success.
Whether you’re an educator, administrator, service provider, or advocate, this session will inspire you to rethink how we build systems that don't just support students—but equip them to thrive.
