LaTia Watson
Educator
Cordova,TN
Summary
Adaptable and focused Educator with 18 years of demonstrated success in managing organized classrooms, providing group and individualized instruction, and nonprofit early childhood programs. Proficient in helping advanced, struggling, and special needs students enhance learning. Equipped with an extensive background in versatile education environments. Committed to providing children and families with the necessary tools to achieve academic goals, instilling a love of learning and cooperative teamwork. Competent at performing independently or as a member of a team. Skilled at building strong relationships and providing personalized assistance to families. Adept in the application of excellent communication and critical thinking skills.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Associate, Kindergarten Readiness
Save the Children
04.2022 - Current
- Provides training and technical assistance for high-quality early childhood programs, including home visiting in rural communities that enhance the skills and knowledge of early childhood coordinators and kindergarten readiness ambassadors to support families in becoming kindergarten ready
- Supports early childhood ambassadors and kindergarten readiness ambassadors with developing and implementing strategies to engage the local community and foster positive relationships between the organization and stakeholders
- Implements budgeting strategies to minimize costs and ensure budget compliance
- Implements data quality procedures and standards that ensure data accuracy and reliability
- Ensures the implementation of child safeguarding policies and procedures in accordance with organizational guidelines and local and international laws and regulations.
Board of Directors, Building Representative, Political Action Committee, Racial and Social Justice Trainer
Tennessee Education Association
08.2015 - 04.2022
- Develop and maintain positive and productive relationships with district and school level administration, local and state politicians, and families
- Ensuring compliance with all applicable labor laws and regulations
- Implement strategies for governance and board effectiveness to ensure compline and enhance decision-making processes
- Developed and delivered comprehensive training programs on social justice and equity issues to professional staff and stakeholders, ensuring they are equipped with knowledge and skills to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion in the workplace
- Promoted racial and social justice within the organization and the community.
Educator
Shelby County Schools, Memphis City Schools, Fayette County Schools
08.2006 - 04.2022
- K, 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th Grade Classroom Teacher (All Subjects: Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies)
- Delivered high quality, standards aligned classroom instruction, analyzed data, and collaborated with grade level team
- Established positive relationships with students, parents, fellow teachers, and school administrators
- Facilitated grade-level and professional learning community meetings
- Presented professional development workshops to faculty and staff
- Served as Literacy Laureate, New Teacher Mentor, and on the Instructional Leadership Team for current school
- Collaborated with parents, administrators, and counselors to develop improvement plans for struggling students
- Sat in on classes of fellow teaching professionals to learn innovative methods for dispensing information to students
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication
- Established and enforced rules of behavior to drive social development and maintain positive interactions
- Promoted exploration of building blocks of learning by leading diverse, hands-on activities
- Boosted individual perseverance and resilience by setting challenging goals and providing realistic support
- Researched and developed grant proposals for instructional learning opportunities and materials
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional strategies to promote learning in students of differing skill levels.
- Developed and implemented differentiated instruction strategies for diverse learners, ensuring individualized attention and success.
- Led professional development sessions for fellow teachers on topics such as technology integration or assessment design, contributing to a culture of ongoing improvement within the school community.
- Interpreted general objectives, laws, policies and procedures concerning Special Education program.
- Deployed various assessment instruments and techniques to assist in identifying students eligible for special education services.
Academic Director
Memphis Cultural Arts Enrichment Center/Watoto Memphis Academy of the Arts
06.2013 - 08.2013
- Developed curriculum and assessments for 4-week writing program for grades pre-k thru 12th grade
- Facilitated daily staff meetings and weekly staff conference calls.
Paraprofessional/Substitute Teacher
Shelby County Schools
08.2002 - 08.2006
- Assisted teachers with classroom duties, supervised students, and delivered instruction.
Foster Care Case Manager
State of Tennessee Department of Children’s Service
04.2005 - 07.2005
- Worked under the advisement of the courts to ensure reunification of families after children entered the foster care system.
Education
Completed coursework: Elementary Education -
LeMoyne-Owen College
Memphis, TNDoctorate: Public Administration -
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN05.2024
Master's Degree: Teaching with an emphasis in Professional Learning Communities -
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ11.2013
Teacher Licensure: Elementary Education -
Christian Brothers University
Memphis, TN01.2006
Bachelor of Arts: Applied Psychology, Criminal Justice -
Christian Brothers University
Memphis, TN08.2004
Skills
- Instruction
- Leadership
- Organizing
- Supervising
- Trainer
- Exceptional communication skills
- Cross-functional Team Coordination
Certification
- State of Tennessee Professional Teacher Certification K-6 Elementary Education
- State of Tennessee Professional Teacher Certification 7-12 ELA
- Grant Seeking Essentials Certificate (DisasterReady)
- Certified Microsoft Innovative Educator
- Project Management Essentials Certificate (DisasterReady)
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
RemoteHybridImportant To Me
Company CultureWork-life balancePaid time offCareer advancementPaid sick leaveHealthcare benefitsFlexible work hoursPersonal development programs401k matchTimeline
Lead Associate, Kindergarten Readiness
Save the Children
04.2022 - Current
Board of Directors, Building Representative, Political Action Committee, Racial and Social Justice Trainer
Tennessee Education Association
08.2015 - 04.2022
Academic Director
Memphis Cultural Arts Enrichment Center/Watoto Memphis Academy of the Arts
06.2013 - 08.2013
Educator
Shelby County Schools, Memphis City Schools, Fayette County Schools
08.2006 - 04.2022
Foster Care Case Manager
State of Tennessee Department of Children’s Service
04.2005 - 07.2005
Paraprofessional/Substitute Teacher
Shelby County Schools
08.2002 - 08.2006
Completed coursework: Elementary Education -
LeMoyne-Owen College
Doctorate: Public Administration -
Walden University
Master's Degree: Teaching with an emphasis in Professional Learning Communities -
Grand Canyon University
Teacher Licensure: Elementary Education -
Christian Brothers University
Bachelor of Arts: Applied Psychology, Criminal Justice -
Christian Brothers University