Long before Dawn Oler became a nationally recognized educator, curriculum author and Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching Research recipient, her work was creating ripple effects beyond her own classroom. For 21 years, she taught family and consumer sciences and business at Hinsdale Township High School District 86, one of Illinois’ top districts, helping students develop practical skills for life while fostering problem solving and adaptability. Her leadership extended into curriculum design with Goodheart-Willcox, national workshops and mentoring educators across the country, multiplying her impact into countless classrooms. “My long-term thought process is always: How do we give students multiple access points to succeed?” she said.
Oler’s path to this broad influence was non-linear. Inspired in seventh grade by her home economics teacher, she knew early on that she wanted to teach. “It was the only class that felt like something I used every single day,” she reflected. After high school, she navigated work and parenting before pursuing an associate degree. She eventually transferred to UW-Stout, balancing her studies with full-time work and family responsibilities. At Stout, she found a learning environment that provided flexibility when it mattered most and was supportive of her goals. Professors like Dr. Diane Klemme helped Oler see teaching as more than what happens in the classroom and encouraged her to engage with national professional organizations. Oler joined the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, laying the foundation for leadership that would influence educators nationwide.
As her career progressed, Oler’s leadership and recognition grew. She was named Illinois Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher of the Year, served more than a decade on the Illinois Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Board of Directors, including a term as president, and authored curriculum that supports teachers and students across the country. Her perspective expanded globally through a Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching Research, which took her to Finland for five months to study student motivation to choose their profession, focusing on why some would choose teaching as a career. She also gained valuable perspective through work with educators in South Africa and Haiti, as well as through post-Hurricane Katrina education efforts in New Orleans, experiences that deepened her commitment to listening, leading with empathy and fostering inclusive learning environments.
One of Oler’s proudest moments came from a student inspired by her example. After watching Oler navigate the Fulbright application, the student went on to apply for and receive a Fulbright of her own, now conducting research abroad in Lithuania. For Oler, this illustrated the true purpose of education: empowering others to imagine more for themselves.
Today, Oler continues to amplify her impact as a self-employed consultant through Teach and House by mentoring educators, particularly those in rural districts who may be the only family and consumer sciences teachers in their school. Each teacher she supports carries new skills, confidence and perspective back to their own students, extending Oler’s influence into classrooms she may never enter directly.
UW-Stout played a pivotal role in shaping this ripple effect. The mentorship, encouragement and practical preparation she received allowed her to take risks, engage nationally and continually grow as a teacher and leader. “I am always so excited to tell people I went to Stout,” Oler said. “I got the best education there for what I do and for what I didn’t even know I was going to be doing.”
Building on that foundation, Oler encourages current students to embrace challenges. “Try things. Say yes to the things that scare you,” she advises, a lesson learned at Stout that has resulted in impact felt across classrooms, communities and continents.
