Curriculum vitae
about me
Nichole R. Watson, M.Ed | nyk.r.watson@gmail.com | nichole@theconsciousclimate.com
Globally and culturally diverse Community Advocate/Liaison who champions change through collaboration and
expertise in education, curriculum development, and School Administration. A transformational, highly interpersonal leader who steers cross-cultural educational departments through complex transitions, improving operational effectiveness and community engagement. Recognized as an influential negotiator, Team Leader, and Collaborator that leverages extensive cross-functional network to mobilize support and achieve ambitious educational, administrative, and staff-related goals and objectives.
Education Experience
PRESCOTT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Portland, Oregon
Principal | Parkrose School District | 2020 - Current
Portland Public Schools
Portland, Oregon
Portland Assn. of Teachers | Developer of Racial Equity & Community Partnerships | August 2019 - July 2020
Rosa Parks Elementary | Fourth Grade Teacher | Principal: Mrs. Tamala Newsome | July 2017 - July 2020
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
President, Oregon Alliance of Black School Educators (ORABSE)
ORABSE strives to promote and improve the best educational experience and outcomes for Black students and provide an avenue for supporting Black educators.
2024 - Current
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.
2018 - 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
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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
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
2023 Hometown Hero Award: Proudly sponsored by Directors Mortgage, Nichole Watson was honored and recognized with the coveted Hometown Hero Award at a Blazer game.
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!