Curriculum vitae
about me
Nichole R. Watson, M.Ed |
A rising leader in education with a deep depth and love for education, social justice, and social sustainability. Breadth of experience ranges from the classroom interacting with both student and adult-learners, developing curriculum and facilitating equity trainings, workshops and one-on-one teacher coaching, to coordinating events, candidates forums, seminars, and colloquia’s, to grant writing, board membership and building solid community partnerships; in addition to being the driving force behind innovative new ways of exploring the intersections between climate and culture in educational settings. As an advocate for education and a life-long learner, my goal is to listen, learn and then serve the students and families in my care.
Education Experience
Portland Public Schools
Portland, Oregon
Portland Assn. of Teachers | Developer of Racial Equity & Community Partnerships | August 2019 - Present
Rosa Parks Elementary | Fourth Grade Teacher | Principal: Mrs. Tamala Newsome | July 2017 - Present
Jason Lee K-8 | Fifth Grade Teacher | Principal: Mr. Isaac Cardona | June 2014 - July 2017
Self-Enhancement, Inc. [Academy] | Sixth Grade Math Teacher | Principal: Mr. Timothy Rogers | June 2015 - August 2015
Self-Enhancement, Inc. {Academy] | Eighth Grade L.A. Teacher | Principal: Mr. Andre Goodlow | June 2014 - August 2014
CONSULTING, TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Restorative Justice & Conflict Resolution Facilitator
2018 - Present
Often times conflict is perceived as a "bad" thing that must be avoided at all costs. On the contrary, my belief, is that conflict is a window into who we are, how we communicate and how we long to be communicated with. In this belief, I coach one-on-one or provide group facilitation that centers restoration and healing from the conflicts that beset us in professional environments. This work lives in tandem with who we show up and who has harmed us. Healing is a self-fulfilling journey that exposes our vulnerabilities along its way. If hurt people, hurt people; than healed people can heal people.
Equity Consultant, Portland Village School
2018
As a classroom teacher, I understand, firsthand, the need for teachers to have a safe space to unpack and examine their personal traumas. It is paramount for us, as practitioners, to explore our educational pedagogies through an equitable and culturally responsive lens. Facilitating these discussions with the Portland Village School staff and community provides the opportunities for continued collaboration and training through Restorative Justice.
Instructor, Black Parent Initiative
2014 - 2018
Parent University classes focus on building the fundamental and expanded capacities of parents and adults of Black children. Classes focus on critical issues ranging from financial health to physical and educational navigation and support.
School-Based Equity Team, Jason Lee K-8
2014 - 2017
Responsible for school-based equity initiatives, collaboration and cross-function efforts to:
Improving teacher cultural effectiveness on campus and in the classroom and Infuse an explicit and consistent focus on equity, inclusion, practice and behavioral change using the Courageous Conversations Protocol.
2015 AVID Summer Institute
Denver, Colorado
Advancement via Individual Determination is being adopted throughout Portland Public Schools. AVID strives to close the achievement gap through college exposure and preparedness. As an AVID trained educator, I develop and modify the district’s adopted curriculums through an AVID lens. In addition, I support my Principal in the training and adoption of AVID throughout our campus.
Beyond Diversity Training, Portland Public Schools
Beyond Diversity is the foundational two-day seminar designed to: help teachers, students, parents, and administrators understand the impact of race on student learning, and; help District office operations staff, managers, and division leaders to understand the impact of race and institutional racism in developing policies and practices. Participants engage in thoughtful exploration of race and racism, grapple with how each influences the culture of schools and District offices, and practice using the tools of Courageous Conversation to identify and address policies and practices that negatively impact achievement for students of color.
Director of Community Relations, Sustainability 4 All
2011 – Present
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Facilitate discussions around race, exclusion, justice, and how they intersect w/ environmental and social sustainability
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Plan and host several annual workshops at Portland State around social and environmental sustainability
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Design all presentational aides for S4A, including brochures, t-shirts, programs, and PowerPoint visuals
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Webmaster of the www.sustainability4all.org website
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Labor w/ other directors and members within S4A to make decisions, plan events and strategize outcomes
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Manage the budget awarded to S4A through PSU to ensure funds are used according to our mission statement
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Adhere to college policies and procedures
Program Assistant, Solutions Generator
2013 - 2014
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Support the coordinator to schedule and coordinate all meetings, events, and speakers for both the Solutions Generator program and Sustainability in Higher Education
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Analyzed and reviewed submitted proposals and gave recommendations to the program coordinator
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Day-to-day program support, developing all program materials, coordinating communications, and administering online information systems and support
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Participate in Portland State University professional development and trainings
Facilitator, Beyond Paper or Plastic
2011 - 2012
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Co-authored grant for sponsored funding
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Planned discussions and events for plan-year
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Co-structured budget and projected expenses
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Monitored and organized attendance for deliverables
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Adhered to deadlines and requirements for grant sponsor
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Worked effectively with other facilitators of various majors, races, orientations, and religions
EDUCATION
Lewis & Clark College
Doctorate in Education Leadership
2017- Present
Portland State University
Graduate School of Education
2013-2014
Portland State University
2011- 2013
Portland Community College
2009 – 2011
Portland State University
2006
Benson Polytechnic High School
1995 – 1999
Doctoral Candidate
Masters of Education
Bachelors of Science
Associates of Science
Real Estate Law I
Diploma
boards, committees, memberships
Board Director, Oregon Board of Pharmacy
The Oregon Board of Pharmacy serves to promote and protect public health, safety and welfare by ensuring high standards in the practice of pharmacy and through effective regulation of the manufacture and distribution of drugs.
2020 - Present
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Appointed by the Governor
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Confirmed by the Senate Committee
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Proposes an agency budget with expected revenue and expenditures to inform the "Governor's Recommended Budget"
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Works with the state legislature in changing and developing state law for the field of pharmacy to recommend legislation
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Prepare and/or adopt rules, policies, procedural statements and administrative memoranda within our statutory powers
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Prepare and conduct examinations, evaluate applications, issue and deny licenses, regulate by inspection, conduct investigations of alleged violations of law, enforce disciplinary action, issue citations, hold hearings and impose penalties
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Review complaints and mediate and resolve all complaints from consumers of licensee services, other licensees or other professionals
Board Director, Oregon Education Association
2019 - Present
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Govern the Oregon Education Association on behalf of District 10 (Portland Association of Teachers)
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Participate in specific committees that align with the Association's core values
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Inform OEA leadership on best practices in carrying out its initiatives
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Encourage and support racial equity dialogue within OEA, its Board of Directors and members
Chair, Black Lives Matter Committee (Portland Association of Teachers)
2018 - 2020
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Established Black Lives Matter Week of Action focus for the 2018-19 academic year
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Oversaw sub-committees that provide culturally responsive curriculum and resources for teachers and students
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Drafted advocacy legislation that proposes Portland Public Schools to recognize BLM WOA District-wide
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Supported classroom teachers in the radical work of recognizing and celebrating the BLM movement in their lessons and discussions
Co-Chair, Racial Equity Task Force + Social Justice Committees (Portland Association of Teachers)
2018 - 2020
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Established focus for the 2018-19 and 2019-2020 academic year
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Advocated for educators of color within Portland Public School District
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Developed and strengthen relationships with local community organizations and PAT
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Encouraged and support racial equity dialogue within PAT and its members
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Led the district in Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action for two consecutive years
Concordia University 3 to PhD - College of Education Consortium
2017 - 2019
The College of Education Consortium advises CU on development, evaluation and improvement of the 3 to PhD program
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Advised and provide leadership in the development, evaluation, and improvement of high quality undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation programs
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Advocated for the CU programs with region constituents, Oregon Department of Education, and the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
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Was encouraged to learn and obtain information as needed by observing classes and by visiting faculty and the Dean
Property Manager of June Key Delta Community Center (JKDCC)
Portland Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
2017 - 2018
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Oversaw all aspects of the JKDCC property
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Established rental rate by surveying local rental rates calculating overhead costs, depreciation, taxes and profit goals.
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Attracted tenants by advertising vacancies; obtaining referrals from current tenants; explaining advantages of location and services; showing units.
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Contracted with tenants by negotiating leases; collecting security deposit.
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Accomplished financial objectives by collecting rents; paying bills; forecasting requirements; preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective action.
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Maintained property by investigating and resolving tenant complaints; enforcing rules of occupancy; inspecting vacant units and completing repairs; planning renovations; contracting with landscaping and snow removal services
Corresponding Secretary
Portland Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
2014-2017
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Notified members of the date, time, and location of all meetings
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Set up and regularly check the chapter’s post office box
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Collected and make available all incoming correspondence to the executive board and the chapter
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Collected bank statements and forward to the chapter president for review
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Upon approval of the chapter president, wrote and sent all chapter correspondence
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Maintained files of all incoming and outgoing correspondence
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Setup and maintain the chapter’s voice mail message system
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Prepared and distribute the chapter newsletter and other mailings
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Managed the chapter’s website and e-mail list in accordance with Delta’s Internet Guidelines
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Insured that the chapter directory is held strictly confidential and not used by external persons
Chair, Oregon First Jurisdiction Education Committee
2009 – 2016
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Established a committee to oversee all of the elementary, middle, high school and college graduates in the state
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Served as liaison with the coordinator of each church to ensure accurate tracking of every student
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Planed and executed education ceremony whereupon each graduate was acknowledged and presented w/ an award
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Conducted quarterly meetings with each coordinator to plan, budget, and achieve projected goals
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Prepared and submit reports and documentation to director and Jurisdictional Prelate
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Updated auxiliary website, Facebook page, and blog
Chair, Speakers Board of Portland State University
2012 - 2013
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Attended regular meetings to discuss guidelines, budget narratives and proposal approval timelines
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Approved, deny and/or defer proposals presented by student organizations
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Reviewed Quarterly Reports, allocation data and annual budget presented to the Student Fee Committee
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Communicated timely and effectively with Aimee Shattuck, Director of Student Activities
Treasurer, Journey to Freedom Foundation
2012 – 2014
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Responsible for ensuring sound financial management of the foundation
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Kept an accurate account of all financial activities, assets and liabilities
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Ensured the deposit of all monies and finances to the credit of the foundation
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Prepared and submit financial reports of the financial condition of the foundation to the Executive Board
Board Member, Groundwork Portland
2011 - 2013
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Attended monthly meetings
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Voted on proposals, grants and financial reports
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Co-labored with other board members to advocate for the mission of Groundwork Portland
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·Volunteered within the community as a representative of Groundwork Portland
Member, Urban League - Young Professionals
2011 – 2013
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Assisted the main affiliate with all social justice and volunteer events
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Met once a month with other members and committees to complete projects
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Volunteered within the community as a member of the affiliate
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Co-labored with other members to achieve goals and projected outcomes
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Updated YP Facebook page, Twitter, blog, and website w/ membership information
Member, Portland Race Talk
2012 - 2013
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Organized evaluations after each event
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Prepared and submit a spreadsheet of all the comments and ratings of the evaluations received
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Attended regularly scheduled events as a volunteer
Civic Engagement Committee, Portland African American Leadership Forum (PAALF)
2012 – 2013
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Established grassroots leadership program within the parameters of the grant received
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Co-labored with other committee members to achieve the outcomes and deliverables expected
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Met twice a month to discuss business development plan, go over candidates and success of the program
Awards & recognition
2019 Oregon Education Association: Presidential Citation - Social Justice Award
OEA President, John Larson, honors teachers and community leaders for their advocacy for Oregon's students and families.
Self Enhancement, Inc. recognizes a long-standing community member whose impact and influence greatly serves the African-American community!
2018 K103s Educator of the Week
Proudly sponsored by Concordia University-Portland, educators are nominated by parents and recognized for their outstanding performance with students and families!
2017-18 State of Oregon Civic Scholar
State legislators from every district are naming two exceptional teachers from their district to be their Civic Scholars. This is part of a statewide initiative to enhance high quality professional development in civic education for teachers. Nominated by Representative Barbara Smith Warner
2017 Joyce Harris Community Engagement Award
The Teaching with Purpose (TWP) organization awards educators for their effective engagement with students.
2013 Excellence in Sustainability Engagement Award
Portland State University is dedicated to collaborative learning, innovative research, sustainability, and community engagement. The Excellence in Sustainability Awards allow them to recognize an individual who greatly supports this mission!
International experience
Grace & Mercy I, II, II & IV Juarez, Mexico August 2008 – August 2012
Travelled to Mexico to assist four orphanages affected by the increasing cartel violence. We have completed several projects, which include finishing the fully-operational bathroom stalls in the orphanage and fixing a few leaks in their roofs. Over the span of ten days, in the month of August, we conduct a Vacation Bible School each year and interact greatly with the children. It is our honor to get to know the children and grow with them as they grow and mature each year. It is a pleasure seeing their excitement as we return year after year. Most of the children in the orphanages have lost their parents to cartel-violence and have no family to claim them. Our work becomes more and more personal with every trip.
Haiti Relief Project Port-Au-Prince, Haiti June 2000
Travelled to Haiti to assist a struggling village and small school within the village. Remodeled homes, put a water pump in the village and helped the natives with English, arithmetic and writing skills. Over the span of fourteen days, we resolved to assist the village in any way we could. Patronized businesses adhered to local customs and projected plans for future relief projects to come.