I work with students in all grades at Dowling who have a physical disability or health disability.  This city wide special education program is a program for students with physical disabilities and/or health disabilities. Students in the program receive support from both the myself and program support staff. The support staff, under my guidance , provide assistance in the area of academics, organizational skills, work completion, and maintenance of health and physical needs.  Students in this program are usually at or near grade level academically and so participate full time in the general education curriculum.  For those students who need it, I teach direct instruction in the areas of math and reading.  Services such as speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and developmental adapted physical educatiom are also a part of the school day for most students in this program.

I have been a P/HD teacher at Dowling since 1999.  I received my bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of St. Thomas.  I received my special education - physical/health disabilities licensure at St. Cloud State University.  I grew up six blocks from Dowling.  I attended Hiawatha Elementary School, Sanford Jr. High, and Roosevelt High School.  When I attended Hiawatha, Dowling students were beginning to be mainstreamed in my classrooms.  I remember the teacher that came with those students; the same teacher I replaced here at Dowling when she retired! 

I am married and have two daughters.   Both attended Dowling (one from k-4, one from k-1) until my family moved out of the area.  I think the time they spent at Dowling shaped their outlook on people of varying abilities.  They are quick and polite when asking others if their help is needed.  They also know that every person contributes something to this world. 

You can reach me at connie.coskran@mpls.k12.mn.us (preferred), 612-668-4410 (school phone), or 612-692-1729 (voicemail).