Educational Services of America

In his new role, Dawson will be responsible for leadership of the 50-student school, which provides character-based and moral education for children in grades 1-12. This fall, Crossroads Lakeland added a Spectrum Center program to serve the needs of students challenged by autism and related disorders. The Spectrum Center program is currently accepting students.

In addition to Crossroads Lakeland, ESA operates 26 campuses in Florida under the names of Atlantis Academy, Broach Schools, Crossroads Schools and others. As the nation’s leading private provider of special, alternative and post-secondary educational programs, ESA owns and operates more than 100 schools and programs in 16 states.

Dawson brings nearly 20 years of educational experience to his new position. Prior to joining ESA, he served as assistant principal, dean of students and classroom teacher in the Polk County Schools in Florida. He has taught as an adjunct instructor at Polk Community College in Winter Haven, Fla., and at Florida Southern College in Lakeland.

Additionally, he has taught elementary and middle school at a number of public and private Florida schools, serving as a director of Westwood Middle School in Polk County. He has also been active as a football and basketball coach.

Dawson holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, and a doctorate in educational administration from Belford University in Humble, Texas.

A native of Morehead, Ky., Dawson now resides in Winter Haven.

Educational Services of America is the nation’s leading provider of special, alternative and post-secondary educational programs. Based in Nashville, Tenn., ESA owns and operates more than 100 schools and programs in 16 states. ESA provides highly personalized academic and behavioral services for students through four branded areas: College Living Experience, Exceptional Schools, Ombudsman Educational Services and Spectrum Center Schools. For more information, visit www.esa-education.com.