Illinois Principals Association

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Dr. Cheryl D. Watkins

Educational Consultant
Dr. Cheryl D. Watkins is an educator who fell in love with teaching as a child. Her professional career began within the third largest urban school district in the country as a special education teacher. During her 33-year tenure, she rose through the ranks serving in many positions including special education teacher, assistant principal, principal, deputy chief of schools, and prior to retiring, chief of schools. She is the founder and lead consultant of Monarch Education Consultants, LLC, where she supports three specific areas to positively impact instructional outcomes for schools and districts: race and equity, emotional intelligence and leadership.

She is an award-winning educator who believes that education should be easily accessed by all and seeks opportunities to advance her mantra. She vows to stand up, speak up and show up for the oppressed. Cheryl has served as a board member for several organizations that impact teaching and learning within the state of Illinois, including Advance Illinois, RS Africa Special and the Golden Apple Foundation. Her educational interests include teacher and paraeducator preparation, cultural language and its effect on literacy, supporting the teaching and learning of individuals with disabilities, understanding middle school, and advancing the teaching profession. Dr. Watkins stands on this mantra shared by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “the time to do right is always the right time.”

Dr. Cheryl D. Watkins is a much sought after and respected speaker at schools and education organizations, is an adjunct professor and a published author. Additional information about her contributions to the field of education, and beyond, can be found at https://linktr.ee/CherylDWatkins.