December 19, 2024 – For 25 years, Ms. Beth Compton and Ms. Felicia Burkes have been the heart and soul of DAWN School, a place where students who need extra support find not only education but also a sense of belonging. Together, they’ve built a legacy of love, resilience, and teamwork that has transformed lives and shaped a unique school culture.
DAWN School isn’t just a place for teaching academics—it’s a place for second chances. Many of the students arrive at DAWN after struggling in traditional school settings, but under the guidance of incredibly supportive teachers like Ms. Compton and Ms. Burkes, they find hope and stability. “We don’t just teach,” Ms. Compton explained. “We give these kids tools to navigate life, from managing their emotions to handling tough situations in a positive way. Overall, it is our job to try to enrich these children's lives and give them a semblance of normalcy.”
Ms. Burkes echoed this sentiment: “We treat these students like our own kids. Whether they’re celebrating a success or need a shoulder to lean on, we’re here for them.” The teachers also do “check-in’s” with the students when they transfer back to their home school to see how they are settling in and using the de-escalation skills they learned at DAWN.
The bond between the staff is just as strong as the connection they share with the students. Both teachers could not say enough great things about Principal Russell Meredith, who has been at DAWN for over 20 years. Working in the school for so long, he understands what the teachers face in the classroom daily. They invited him to join the conversation, and he praised the two veteran teachers right back. “They’re incredible,” he said. “Ms. Compton and Ms. Burkes are more than educators—they’re mentors, role models, and family to everyone here. It’s an honor to work alongside them.”
Principal Russell also mentioned how much he enjoys seeing staff come in as assistants, and through programs like the HCS Grow Your Own (GYO) program, he is able to then hire them as full-time teachers. He names countless staff members who enjoyed their work and felt supported enough to go on to complete their education so they could keep going to the job they love at the place they loved being at without leaving. Even those who leave usually find their way back.
DAWN School operates like a tightly knit family. The staff takes care of not only the students who come through their doors but also each other. Ms. Compton and Ms. Burkes describe the staff’s unwavering support for one another, allowing them to handle the challenging moments gracefully. “When things get tough, we call for a team,” Ms. Compton said, smiling. “And just like that, everyone shows up to help. It’s why this place works—we’ve got each other’s backs.”
For those unfamiliar with the school, The Dawn School is a K-12 program through the Hamilton County Schools Exceptional Education Department that provides intensive behavioral, academic, social, and emotional support in a therapeutic setting. They are able to hyperfocus on students' individualized plans and work one-on-one with each student to help based on their individual needs. The students’ time at the school varies, usually around one year. Their students thrive in DAWN’s structured classrooms where with lower teacher-student ratios, individualized attention helps them flourish. “We give them the skills they need to transition back to their home schools—or even stay here until they graduate,” Ms. Burkes said. “We’ve had students return years later to tell us how much DAWN changed their lives. That’s what keeps us going.”
Ms. Compton and Ms. Burkes have countless success stories, from students who once struggled with severe behavioral issues to those who’ve walked across the stage at graduation. “Hearing a former student say, ‘If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be where I am today,’ is everything,” Ms. Compton shared. “It reminds us why we do this.”
Principal Meredith summed it up perfectly: “DAWN is a family, and Ms. Compton and Ms. Burkes are its cornerstones. Their compassion and commitment are unmatched. They’ve given 25 years of their lives to creating a place where every child—and every staff member—feels supported and valued.”
The staff at the school often say DAWN School is Hamilton County’s best-kept secret. But with teachers like Ms. Compton and Ms. Burkes and leaders like Principal Meredith, the secret’s out: DAWN is a place where lives are changed, and a community of care is built every single day.