Cheltenham Elementary Principal

Shareese Nelson is beginning her first year as principal of Cheltenham Elementary School after serving as interim principal of Cheltenham Elementary and lead administrator/vice principal at Cedarbrook Middle School East. Previously, she served as interim principal of Elkins Park School, following four years as vice principal.

Throughout her leadership career, Mrs. Nelson has been committed to creating schools where every student feels valued, challenged, and supported. She has provided strategic leadership in developing and implementing instructional initiatives aligned with district goals and state standards while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Through professional learning, instructional coaching, and collaborative data analysis, she has empowered teachers to strengthen instructional practices and improve student outcomes. She has also led curriculum development efforts to ensure instruction reflects best practices and meets the diverse needs of all learners.

A recognized leader in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Mrs. Nelson has had work showcased at the Pennsylvania Positive Behavior Support (PAPBS) State Forum, where she shared innovative student engagement strategies with educators from across Pennsylvania, and featured on the University of Oregon's "Teach by Design" blog. She has served as a guest lecturer at Arcadia University on developing effective PBIS systems, and presented at the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) Conference on advancing equity in schools. 

In addition to her educational leadership, Mrs. Nelson was selected to serve on a Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) committee that met with members of Congress to advocate for public education and discuss issues impacting students, educators, and schools.

Known for her systems-driven approach to leadership, Mrs. Nelson has strengthened family and community engagement by building meaningful partnerships with local businesses, universities, and community organizations. Her initiatives—including Lunch and Learn programs, community service opportunities, restorative practices, and strong PTO collaboration—have fostered authentic connections between schools and families while creating positive, inclusive learning environments where students can thrive.

Mrs. Nelson joined the Cheltenham School District in 2017 as administrator for climate and culture at Elkins Park School. In that role, she developed and implemented PBIS systems, trained staff in proactive behavior supports, created schoolwide programs that strengthened climate and culture, coached teachers in classroom management and instructional practices, mentored students, and championed restorative approaches to discipline.

Prior to joining Cheltenham, Mrs. Nelson spent 11 years as a classroom teacher at Thomas Fitzwater Elementary School in Upper Dublin School District, where she taught first, second, and fifth grades. During her time in Upper Dublin, she also served as a Writing Curriculum Leader, co-founded the district's Excellence Through Equity Committee, and helped establish the Connections mentoring program. She also was in La Salle University's inaugural class of the Pennsylvania Instructional Coach endorsement and mentored pre-service student teachers.

The author of the children's book "The Me Inside," Mrs. Nelson resides in Wyncote with her husband and two children.