BRITNEY WATSON
Fort Smith
Summary
Dynamic education leader with a proven track record at Morrison Elementary, driving the adoption of structured literacy and the Science of Reading. Expert in Orton-Gillingham and multisensory intervention, I empower educators through targeted coaching and professional development, fostering a culture of data-informed instruction and enhancing early literacy outcomes for all students.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Founder
Launching Literacy & Learning
01.2024 - Current
- Provide structured literacy resources for families and educators.
- Create instructional tools grounded in evidence-based reading research.
- Develop materials focused on decoding, phonics, and early reading intervention.
Education & Programming Chair
Fort Kids Children’s Museum
01.2023 - Current
- Lead literacy-centered programs and parent education initiatives.
- Design hands-on learning experiences aligned with cognitive science and early learning research.
Elementary Principal
Morrison Elementary, Fort Smith Public Schools
01.2016 - 01.2025
- Spearheaded schoolwide adoption of structured literacy and Science of Reading initiatives.
- Planned and facilitated professional development sessions for educators.
- Guided implementation of assessment strategies, decoding interventions, phonics instruction, and MTSS frameworks.
- Established systems for essential standards, progress monitoring, and data-informed instruction.
- Enhanced school culture through improved behavior systems and community involvement.
Assistant Principal
Tilles Elementary
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Supported literacy intervention systems and teacher coaching.
- Oversaw student discipline, 504 accommodations, and school safety.
- Led professional development aligned to early literacy and intervention practices.
Literacy Coach
Fort Smith Public Schools
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Coached K–5 teachers on literacy instruction and intervention.
- Modeled lessons, supported data-driven planning, and provided small-group intervention support.
Classroom Teacher
Booneville Elementary School
01.2008 - 01.2012
- Taught third and first grade core subjects including literacy, math, science, and social studies.
- Used small-group instruction and differentiated practices to support struggling learners.
First Grade Teacher
Magazine Elementary School
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Taught first grade core subjects including early literacy, math, science, and social studies.
- Implemented foundational reading routines and supported emerging readers.
Education
Master of Arts - Reading Science
Mount St. Joseph University
05-2024
Specialist in Educational Leadership - Superintendency
Arkansas State University
01.2013
Master of Science - Education, Curriculum and Instruction
Arkansas State University
01.2011
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education (P–4)
University of Arkansas – Fort Smith
01.2006
Skills
- Orton-Gillingham approach
- Structured literacy
- Science of reading
- Multisensory intervention
- Phonological awareness
- Diagnostic teaching
- MTSS and data instruction
- Early literacy design
- Instructional coaching
Websites
Certification
- National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT)
- KPEERI Certified
- Extensive training in Structured Literacy and OG-aligned practices
- Arkansas Building-Level Administrator (P–12)
- Arkansas Curriculum / Program Administrator (P–12)
- Arkansas Early Childhood Education (P–4)
References
- Kimberly Starr, Director of Elementary Education, Fort Smith Public Schools, 501-450-0396, kstarr@fortsmithschools.org
- Kellie Milton, Director of Achievement and Accountability, Fort Smith Public Schools, 479-651-8015, kminton@fortsmithschools.org
- Elizabeth Love, Principal, Spradling Elementary, 479-461-1748, elove@fortsmithschools.org
Timeline
Founder
Launching Literacy & Learning
01.2024 - Current
Education & Programming Chair
Fort Kids Children’s Museum
01.2023 - Current
Elementary Principal
Morrison Elementary, Fort Smith Public Schools
01.2016 - 01.2025
Assistant Principal
Tilles Elementary
01.2014 - 01.2016
Literacy Coach
Fort Smith Public Schools
01.2012 - 01.2014
Classroom Teacher
Booneville Elementary School
01.2008 - 01.2012
First Grade Teacher
Magazine Elementary School
01.2007 - 01.2008
Master of Arts - Reading Science
Mount St. Joseph University
Specialist in Educational Leadership - Superintendency
Arkansas State University
Master of Science - Education, Curriculum and Instruction
Arkansas State University
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education (P–4)
University of Arkansas – Fort Smith