LaTia Watson
Cordova,TN
Summary
Adaptable and focused leader with 20+ years of demonstrated success in delivering high-quality instruction, fostering family engagement, and coordinating the implementation of nonprofit early childhood programs. Develops strategies, provides training, sets goals and obtains team feedback. Equipped with an extensive background in knowledge pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Committed to providing children and families with the essential resources and a healthy foundation to flourish in life. Skilled at building strong relationships and providing personalized assistance to families. Bridges communication between stakeholders and staff with strong business acumen and managerial abilities. Strong organizational and communication skills with attention to detail and accuracy. Big picture focus with excellence in communicating goals and vision to succeed. Problem solver, networker, and consensus builder.
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 skills and knowledge of early childhood coordinators and kindergarten readiness ambassadors to support families in becoming kindergarten ready
- Supports early childhood coordinators and kindergarten readiness ambassadors with developing and implementing strategies to engage the local community and foster positive relationships with organizations 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 implementation of child safeguarding policies and procedures in accordance with organizational guidelines and local and international laws and regulations.
- Demonstrates knowledge of company mission and goals and mentored employees in reaching objectives aligned with company core values
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
- Ensured compliance with all applicable labor laws and regulations
- Implement strategies for governance and board effectiveness to ensure compliance and enhance decision-making processes
- Developed and delivered comprehensive training programs on social justice and equity issues to professional staff and stakeholders, ensuring educators 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
- Worked with the political action committee using tools such as NGPVan to support selected candidates through phone and text banking, door-knocking, and hosting/attending campaign events.
Educator
Shelby County Schools, Memphis City Schools, Fayette County Schools
08.2006 - 04.2022
- Delivered high-quality, standards-aligned classroom instruction, analyzed data, and collaborated with grade-level teams
- 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 assigned 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 the 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 a 4-week writing program for grades pre-k through 12th grade
- Facilitated daily staff meetings and weekly staff conference calls
- Ensured the program was operating in accordance with grant specifications.
- Conferred with educators to rebalance classes, increase resource utilization, and integrate new technology
Paraprofessional/Substitute Teacher
Shelby County Schools
08.2002 - 08.2006
- Assisted teachers with classroom duties, supervised students, and delivered instruction.
Education
Doctorate: Public Administration - Public Administration
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN05.2024
Master's Degree: Teaching with an emphasis in Professional Learning Communities - Education
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ11.2013
Teacher Licensure: Elementary Education -
Christian Brothers University
Tennessee01.2006
Bachelor of Arts: Applied Psychology, Criminal Justice -
Christian Brothers University
Memphis08.2004
Skills
- Staff Supervision and Coordination
- Exceptional communication skills
- Cross-functional Team Coordination
- Client Relationship Management
- Policy Implementation
- Staff Training and Development
- Task Prioritization
- Organizational Leadership
- Diversity training
- Cultural Competency
- Program Evaluation
- Curriculum Development and Implementation
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)
- Diversity and Inclusion Certificate (DisasterReady)
- Promoting Children's Development and Wellbeing Certificate (DisasterReady)
- Mental Health First Aid
- AimHiTN Endorsed Early Childhood Family Associate
Timeline
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
Paraprofessional/Substitute Teacher
Shelby County Schools
08.2002 - 08.2006
Doctorate: Public Administration - Public Administration
Walden University
Master's Degree: Teaching with an emphasis in Professional Learning Communities - Education
Grand Canyon University
Teacher Licensure: Elementary Education -
Christian Brothers University
Bachelor of Arts: Applied Psychology, Criminal Justice -
Christian Brothers University
- 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)
- Diversity and Inclusion Certificate (DisasterReady)
- Promoting Children's Development and Wellbeing Certificate (DisasterReady)
- Mental Health First Aid
- AimHiTN Endorsed Early Childhood Family Associate
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