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 

Parkrose School District

Portland, Oregon

Prescott Elementary School  |  Principal  | Current

Portland Public Schools

Portland, Oregon

Portland Assn. of Teachers  |  Developer of Racial Equity & Community Partnerships  |  August 2019 - July 2020

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Rosa Parks Elementary   |   Fourth Grade Teacher   |   Principal: Mrs. Tamala Newsome | July 2017 - July 2020

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Jason Lee K-8   |   Fifth Grade  Teacher   |   Principal: Mr. Isaac Cardona  |   June 2014 - July 2017

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Self-Enhancement, Inc. [Academy]  |  Sixth Grade Math Teacher  |  Principal: Mr. Timothy Rogers  |   June 2015 - August 2015

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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

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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. 

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Equity Consultant, Portland Village School

2018

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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.

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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

• Plan and host several annual workshops at Portland State around social and environmental sustainability

• Design all presentational aides for S4A, including brochures, t-shirts, programs, and PowerPoint visuals

• Webmaster of the www.sustainability4all.org website

• Labor w/ other directors and members within S4A to make decisions, plan events and strategize outcomes

• Manage the budget awarded to S4A through PSU to ensure funds are used according to our mission statement

• Adhere to college policies and procedures

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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

• Analyzed and reviewed submitted proposals and gave recommendations to the program coordinator

• Day-to-day program support, developing all program materials, coordinating communications, and administering online information systems and support

• 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

• Planned discussions and events for plan-year

• Co-structured budget and projected expenses

• Monitored and organized attendance for deliverables

• Adhered to deadlines and requirements for grant sponsor

• Worked effectively with other facilitators of various majors, races, orientations, and religions​

EDUCATION 

Lewis & Clark College

Doctorate in Education Leadership

2017- Present

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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

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Masters of Education

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Bachelors of Science

Associates of Science

Real Estate Law I

Diploma

boards, committees, memberships 

President-Elect, Oregon Alliance of Black School Educators (OABSE)

OABSE strives to promote and improve the best educational experience and outcomes for Black students and provide an avenue for supporting Black educators.

2020​

Board Director, Airway Science for Kids [ASK]

ASK is an expanding nonprofit with a mission to remove barriers for children and youth who have been systematically excluded from STEAM education and careers.

2020​

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

Board Director, Oregon Education Association 

2019

• Govern the Oregon Education Association on behalf of District 10 (Portland Association of Teachers)

• Participate in specific committees that align with the Association's core values

• Inform OEA leadership on best practices in carrying out its initiatives

• 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

• Established Black Lives Matter Week of Action focus for the 2018-19 academic year

• Oversaw sub-committees that provide culturally responsive curriculum and resources for teachers and students

• Drafted advocacy legislation that proposes Portland Public Schools to recognize BLM WOA District-wide

• 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

• Established focus for the 2018-19 and 2019-2020 academic year

• Advocated for educators of color within Portland Public School District

• Developed and strengthen relationships with local community organizations and PAT

• Encouraged and support racial equity dialogue within PAT and its members

• 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

• Advised and provide leadership in the development, evaluation, and improvement of high quality undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation programs

• Advocated for the CU programs with region constituents, Oregon Department of Education, and the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission

• Was encouraged to learn and obtain information as needed by observing classes and by visiting faculty and the Dean 

Chair, Speakers Board of Portland State University

2012 - 2013

• Attended regular meetings to discuss guidelines, budget narratives and proposal approval timelines

• Approved, deny and/or defer proposals presented by student organizations

• Reviewed Quarterly Reports, allocation data and annual budget presented to the Student Fee Committee

• Communicated timely and effectively with Aimee Shattuck, Director of Student Activities

Treasurer, Journey to Freedom Foundation

2012 – 2014

• Responsible for ensuring sound financial management of the foundation

• Kept an accurate account of all financial activities, assets and liabilities

• Ensured the deposit of all monies and finances to the credit of the foundation

• Prepared and submit financial reports of the financial condition of the foundation to the Executive Board

Board Member, Groundwork Portland

2011 - 2013

• Attended monthly meetings

• Voted on proposals, grants and financial reports

• Co-labored with other board members to advocate for the mission of Groundwork Portland

• ·Volunteered within the community as a representative of Groundwork Portland

Member, Urban League - Young Professionals

2011 – 2013

• Assisted the main affiliate with all social justice and volunteer events

• Met once a month with other members and committees to complete projects

• Volunteered within the community as a member of the affiliate

• Co-labored with other members to achieve goals and projected outcomes

• Updated YP Facebook page, Twitter, blog, and website w/ membership information

Member, Portland Race Talk

2012 - 2013

• Organized evaluations after each event

• Prepared and submit a spreadsheet of all the comments and ratings of the evaluations received

• Attended regularly scheduled events as a volunteer

Civic Engagement Committee, Portland African American Leadership Forum (PAALF)

2012 – 2013

• Established grassroots leadership program within the parameters of the grant received

• Co-labored with other committee members to achieve the outcomes and deliverables expected

• 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.

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2018 Iron Sharpens Iron Award

Self Enhancement, Inc. recognizes a long-standing community member whose impact and influence greatly serves the African-American community! 

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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! 

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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

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2017 Joyce Harris Community Engagement Award

The Teaching with Purpose (TWP) organization awards educators for their effective engagement with students.

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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!