Shareese Nelson Named Interim Principal at Elkins Park School
- 2024-2025 Spotlights
After four years as vice principal, Shareese Nelson has been named interim principal at Elkins Park School. Nelson fills the role of Dr. Crystal Clark, who is on medical leave for an undetermined amount of time. The board of school directors approved Nelson’s appointment at its October 8 legislative meeting.
“Working at Elkins Park and serving the students of Cheltenham is my heart's work,” Nelson said. “It is truly an honor to serve as interim principal.”
In her four years as vice principal, Nelson has provided strategic leadership in collaboration with Principal Clark to develop and implement instructional
initiatives aligned with school goals and district standards; fostered a culture of continuous improvement by facilitating professional development workshops and coaching sessions for teachers on effective instructional strategies, assessment practices, and data-driven decision-making; and led curriculum development and revision efforts to ensure alignment with state standards, instructional best
practices, and the diverse needs of students.
Nelson came to Cheltenham in 2017 as the administrator for climate and culture at Elkins Park. In that position, she developed and trained staff on Positive Behavior Intervention Systems; created and maintained programming to support a positive school climate and culture; provided classroom support to teachers in instruction and classroom management; supported students through mentoring and restorative practices; and developed positive and proactive responses to negative student behavior.
Prior to coming to Cheltenham, Nelson was a classroom teacher at Thomas Fitzwater Elementary School in Willow Grove for 11 years, instructing first, second and fifth grades.
The author of the children’s book “The Me Inside,” Nelson earned her master’s degree in education from Chestnut Hill College, and a B.A. in communications from Temple University. She completed the Principal Certification program at Delaware Valley University, earned a GPIC Instructional Coach Certification from La Salle University, and has a Pennsylvania Department of Education Level II Teacher Certification.
Nelson resides in Wyncote with her husband and two children.
- Cheltenham School District
- Elkins Park School