Conney Dahn, the 2007 Florida Department of Education/Macy's Teacher of the Year, has been an educator for more than 30 years. After receiving her bachelor's degree in Special Education from the University of Alabama in 1973, Conney went on to earn a master's degree in 1984 in Special Education/Mental Retardation from Troy State University. In 2003, she earned National Board Certification as an Exceptional Needs Specialist in Early Childhood through Young Adulthood.

Conney currently teaches severely disabled students at Jensen Beach High School in Martin County. She challenges her students to work toward independence to their individual ability, accentuating employability skills, inclusion with students without disabilities and functional literacy skills. She helps her students accomplish these goals through high expectations and developing positive student behaviors.

Conney's enthusiasm has motivated many of her students to participate in activities with students without disabilities. She considers herself a skilled practitioner with a passion for students and the teaching profession. Her goal is for students with disabilities to graduate ready for the real world with the ability to live productive and fulfilling lives with the greatest degree of independence possible [Press Release and photo from: August 23, 2006,DOEPressOffice at fldoe.org].

On Thursday, May 15, 2008, Mrs. Dahn, her husband Larry and Craig, one of her students from Jensen Beach High School took time out of their busy schedules to address the Christian Business Fellowship of Martin County. During the luncheon, Mrs. Dahn shared with the group her inspirational message about being "fearfully and wonderfully made", as well as an introduction to her programs, beliefs and goals. Her message to the group was complete with a slide presentation noting the high expectations that she has set for herself as well as her students. "I believe every person has the ability to work no matter the severity of their disability with the proper supports and opportunity", says Dahn. Each guest attending the luncheon was further blessed when Mrs. Dahn shared with the group the goals for the future students in her care as well as her program "Friday Night Angels ~ Hebrews 13:2" that is offered at Palm City Presbyterian Church on SW Martin Hwy in Palm City, Florida.

For more information about the programs and services that Mrs. Dahn offers, she may be contacted at:

Jensen Beach High School, 2875 NW Goldenrod Road, Jensen Beach, Florida 772-232-3500 x 204.

For more information how you too might join us for the next Christian Business Fellowship Luncheon (always the 3rd Thursday of the month) at the Ramada Inn on US One in Stuart, FL. Please R.S.V.P. John Demaree - Coordinator Christian Business Fellowship of Martin County 772-286-6972 jdemaree@ftak.com. No invitation needed, yet reservations are suggested. The June luncheon will feature: Michelle Howe, Michelle is an Independent Consultant and National Vice President with Arbonne, a 28 year old Health, Wellness, and Anti-Aging company. Today Michelle is a Child Ambassador for World Vision, a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty.