Shelita Watkis

Organizational leader and educational administrator with 26 years of experience as a building and district leader and teacher. Responsibilities honed competencies in the development, implementation and execution of performance-enhancing programs. Outstanding skills in parent communication, conflict resolution and staff management. Known for consistently supporting faculty and staff as an advocate leader.

• New York State Professional Certification - School District Leader
• New York State Professional Certification - School Building Leader
• New York State Permanent Certification - Spanish 7-12

• Collaborated with multiple stakeholders to engage in strategic planning
• Created an innovative master schedule for instructional and non-instructional staff aimed at implementing district goals including STEAM and elementary Spanish
• Assessed the programs in the World Languages and ENL departments, and developed plans to ensure compliance with state requirements
• Utilized student data to inform instructional and extracurricular program needs
• Reviewed curriculum development, writing, and selection of materials
• Implemented Jump Start for incoming kindergarten English Language Learners to promote readiness for school, ENL Regents Review, elementary STEAM clubs and secondary Bridge to Success clubs for SIFEs
• Worked with the deputy Superintendent to create a professional development plan for the high school
• Provided support for meaningful integration of instructional technology such as Google Apps for Educators, Book Creator, and Canva to facilitate differentiation
• Facilitated professional learning in department meetings, workshops and faculty meetings addressing topics such as SEL, student-centered learning, differentiated instruction
• Implemented an MTSS plan which allowed team to offer specific interventions to students and monitor progress towards meeting expected outcomes
• Coordinated K – 12 NYSITELL, NYSESLAT, World Language Checkpoint A and B testing and NYS Grades 3 - 6 state testing
• Conducted interest surveys, provided information for community stakeholders, and subsequently initiated new programs – American Sign Language, 6th grade FLEX, Spanish for Spanish Speakers, AP Spanish, AP Italian
• Facilitated partnerships with Adelphi University, Stony Brook University and Suffolk County Community College to offer credit bearing high school courses in American sign Language, French, German, Italian and Spanish
• Implemented the NYS Seal of Biliteracy
• Collaborated with teachers, principals and the superintendency to plan and facilitate ENL Family nights, parent orientations and parent teacher conferences
• Contributed to the development of a standards-based report card and the revision of grading practices
• Reviewed data and collaborated with the superintendency to implement a Polish dual language and Spanish dual language program
• Prepared presentations for the Board of Education and the community to promote awareness of new programs and amendments to existing programs, budgets and new initiatives
• Maintained data in the student management system to guarantee accurate reporting to Level Zero
• Prepared NYS data reports for English Language Learners and the Comprehensive ELL Educational Plan
• Coordinated with Central Registration to ensure correct and timely placement of new entrants
• Participated in the selection and supervision of staff
• Evaluated faculty as prescribed by the APPR plan
• Facilitated onboarding and mentoring of new staff
• Maintained dialogue with other administrators while supporting faculty and staff to improve unsatisfactory performance, and provide remedies (TIPs, counseling letters) when needed
• Collaborated with the Assistant to the Superintendent for Business to create building or department budgets
• Managed the NYS Title III grants
• Collaborated with stakeholders to create and manage capital project plans

• Co-organizer, Hofstra ENL conference, 2016
• Panel participant, Integrated Content and Language conference, 2018
• Presenter, FLACS/NYSAWLA annual conference, 2018, 2019
• New Teacher Mentor, 2012, 2014

• ASCD
• NAESP
• NYS TESOL
• TESOL
• School Leadership 2.0