Nichole Watson Resume

Curriculum vitae

about me

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

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

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

Program Assistant, Solutions Generator

2013 - 2014

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

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

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 Education Association

2019 - Present

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 - Present

Establish Black Lives Matter Week of Action focus for the 2018-19 academic year
Oversee sub-committees that provide culturally responsive curriculum and resources for teachers and students
Draft advocacy legislation that proposes Portland Public Schools to recognize BLM WOA District-wide
Support classroom teachers in the radical work of recognizing and celebrating the BLM movement in their lessons and discussions

Co-Chair, Racial Equity Task Force (Portland Association of Teachers)

2018 - Present

Establish focus for the 2018-19 academic year
Advocate for educators of color within Portland Public School District
Develop and strengthen relationships with local community organizations and PAT
Encourage and support racial equity dialogue within PAT and its members

Concordia University 3 to PhD - College of Education Consortium

2017 - Present

The College of Education Consortium advises Concordia University on development, evaluation and improvement of the 3 to PhD program

Advise and provide leadership in the development, evaluation, and improvement of high quality undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation programs
Advocate for the CU programs with region constituents, Oregon Department of Education, and the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission
Members are 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

Oversee all aspects of the JKDCC property
Establishes rental rate by surveying local rental rates calculating overhead costs, depreciation, taxes and profit goals.
Attracts tenants by advertising vacancies; obtaining referrals from current tenants; explaining advantages of location and services; showing units.
Contracts with tenants by negotiating leases; collecting security deposit.
Accomplishes financial objectives by collecting rents; paying bills; forecasting requirements; preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective action.
Maintains 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

Notify members of the date, time, and location of all meetings
Set up and regularly check the chapter’s post office box
Collect and make available all incoming correspondence to the executive board and the chapter
Collect bank statements and forward to the chapter president for review
Upon approval of the chapter president, write and send all chapter correspondence
Maintain files of all incoming and outgoing correspondence
Setup and maintain the chapter’s voice mail message system
Prepare and distribute the chapter newsletter and other mailings
Manage the chapter’s website and e-mail list in accordance with Delta’s Internet Guidelines
Insure that the chapter directory is held strictly confidential and not used by external persons

Chair, Oregon First Jurisdiction Education Committee

2009 – 2016

Establish a committee to oversee all of the elementary, middle, high school and college graduates in the state
Serve as liaison with the coordinator of each church to ensure accurate tracking of every student
Plan and executed education ceremony whereupon each graduate was acknowledged and presented w/ an award
Conduct quarterly meetings with each coordinator to plan, budget, and achieve projected goals
Prepare and submit reports and documentation to director and Jurisdictional Prelate
Update auxiliary website, Facebook page, and blog

Chair, Speakers Board of Portland State University

2012 - 2013

Attend regular meetings to discuss guidelines, budget narratives and proposal approval timelines
Approve, deny and/or defer proposals presented by student organizations
Review Quarterly Reports, allocation data and annual budget presented to the Student Fee Committee
Communicate 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
Keep an accurate account of all financial activities, assets and liabilities
Ensure the deposit of all monies and finances to the credit of the foundation
Prepare and submit financial reports of the financial condition of the foundation to the Executive Board

Board Member, Groundwork Portland

2011 - 2013

Attend monthly meetings
Vote on proposals, grants and financial reports
Co-labor with other board members to advocate for the mission of Groundwork Portland
·Volunteer within the community as a representative of Groundwork Portland

Member, Urban League - Young Professionals

2011 – 2013

Assist the main affiliate with all social justice and volunteer events
Meet once a month with other members and committees to complete projects
Volunteer within the community as a member of the affiliate
Co-labor with other members to achieve goals and projected outcomes
Update YP Facebook page, Twitter, blog, and website w/ membership information

Member, Portland Race Talk

2012 - 2013

Organize evaluations after each event
Prepare and submit a spreadsheet of all the comments and ratings of the evaluations received
Attend regularly scheduled events as a volunteer

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

2012 – 2013

Establish grassroots leadership program within the parameters of the grant received
Co-labor with other committee members to achieve the outcomes and deliverables expected
Meet 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.

2018 Iron Sharpens Iron Award

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.