Faculty Spotlight

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Karen Dahn - Middle School Science Teacher

Mrs. Dahn is the middle school Science teacher extraordinaire who will elevate your science game to a whole new level. Anyone who meets her knows she loves what she does and according to the Jones family " she has dedicated her time to ensure all of her students succeed in her class. Her love for Science is infectious!" With an insatiable curious nature and dedication to the pursuit of lifelong learning she herself knows the benefits of education. Having spent over 30 years in a career as a hairdresser before falling in love with teaching, Mrs. Dahn first became interested in the possibility of teaching after becoming involved in the special education system and pursuit of helping her son who has Autism. As she started her formal teaching education she realized that her passion for science outweighed her interest in special education and began to achieve certifications to teach a number of science related subjects. She eventually earned her Master’s degree in STEAM. According to Mrs. Dahn, “The STEAM model (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), weaves these subjects together. This approach creates a more robust learning experience. I am delighted to be part of an environment where I am able to collaborate with such a talented group of teachers to help coordinate unique approaches for students to learn.” CES is so excited to have her be a part of our school and we enjoy all she has to teach.

Mrs. Dahn’s students know her for her unflappable commitment to ensuring that each student has what is needed to be successful. Her specialization in special education also offers her the knowledge of how to tailor the materials used in each lesson to uniquely serve each student and match his or her preferred learning modalities to obtain optimal outcomes.

In the words of The Jackson family “ Mrs. Dahn makes science come alive. Science was never my daughter's thing . . . Mrs. Dahn just makes science so fun.” Not only is Mrs. Dahn capable of making kids fall in love with science she teaches each child in a way that really makes things click for them.

Outside the classroom Mrs. Dahn continues to apply her passion for learning through her personal mineral and stone collection. Mrs. Dahn states, “I love to apply my knowledge of Geology and my love of unusual gemstones to create one of a kind jewelry. I try to incorporate my interests into some of the lessons I teach.” Her hobbies are vast and include reading, scuba diving, playing Celtic harp and studying all types of art. She is married to Jeff, who recently began serving as a substitute teacher at CES. She has two children and lives locally in the Rockville area.