LISA YASUKO NAKAWATASE
Winston Salem
Summary
Enthusiastic professional who consistently achieves measurable gains and is dedicated to equipping employees with innovative ideas that will increase overall operational effectiveness.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Principal
WINSTON SALEM FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS
Winston Salem
01.2025 - Current
- Collaborated with teachers to develop effective instructional strategies.
- Facilitated professional development workshops for staff and faculty.
- Implemented school policies to enhance student safety and discipline.
- Coordinated communication between parents, teachers, and administration.
- Evaluated student performance data to inform curriculum decisions.
- Managed daily school operations and ensured compliance with regulations.
- Mentored new educators to support their integration into the school environment.
- Investigated incidents involving disciplinary action against students or faculty members.
- Monitored student behavior and discipline in accordance with district regulations.
- Evaluated teacher performance through classroom observations, reviews of lesson plans and feedback from parents and students.
- Ensured that all safety protocols were followed by staff members during school events.
FAPA Board President
WINSTON SALEM FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS (DISTRICT WIDE)
Winston Salem
01.2024 - Current
- Led board meetings to discuss educational policies and initiatives.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to enhance community engagement in schools.
- Advocated for district interests at state and national education forums.
- Developed partnerships with local organizations to support educational initiatives.
- Developed strategic plans for the organization and monitored progress towards achieving them.
- Responded promptly to inquiries from other stakeholders regarding decisions made by the board.
- Engaged in fundraising activities to support the organization's mission.
Advisor
CROSBY SCHOLARS
Winston Salem
01.2022 - Current
- Junior & Senior advisor
- Counsel with juniors and seniors to plan post-secondary plans
- Attend meetings, events, and workshops
- Keep detailed notes and submit conference meeting forms in a timely fashion
Equity Ambassador
WINSTON SALEM FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS (DISTRICT WIDE)
Winston Salem
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Facilitated communication between students, parents, and school staff to enhance collaboration.
- Supported district-wide initiatives aimed at improving student engagement and achievement.
- Assisted staff in implementing programs that promote diversity and inclusion in schools.
- Provided feedback on student needs and concerns to inform district policy decisions.
- Advocated for student interests during meetings with educators and administrators across the district.
AP Mentor
WINSTON SALEM FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS (DISTRICT WIDE)
Winston Salem
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Provided training to new mentors on effective communication and support techniques.
- Talked with individuals, sharing positive life experiences to encourage improved self-esteem and boost socialization.
- Mentored individuals on professional development topics such as communication skills, problem-solving and goal setting.
- Conducted regular one-on-one meetings with each mentee to discuss challenges, successes and goals.
- Provided resources related to mental health awareness including stress management strategies.
- Encouraged open dialogue between mentor and mentee pairs to promote trust, respect and understanding of different perspectives.
Assistant Principal of Instruction
MIDDLE COLLEGE OF FORSYTH & EARLY COLLEGE OF FORSYTH
Winston-Salem
01.2017 - 01.2025
- Nationally recognized as two of the top high schools in the nation in 2018-2019
- 100% graduation rate and college acceptance rate 2017-2022
- Highest mandated state test scores in the WS/FCS district
- Early College of Forsyth exceeded expected growth in 2017-2018
FAPA Board Vice President
WINSTON SALEM FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS (DISTRICT WIDE)
Winston Salem
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Directed district-wide educational initiatives and policy implementation.
- Collaborated with school leaders to enhance instructional practices and student outcomes.
- Coordinated strategic planning sessions to align district goals with community needs.
- Advocated for equitable resource distribution among schools within the district.
Teacher
WS/FCS MIDDLE COLLEGE OF FORSYTH
Winston-Salem
01.2012 - 01.2017
- Identified in the top 2% of highest-performing teachers in NC.
- Facilitated instruction in American History I & II, and Civics and Economics
- Students achieved growth on average of 3.33 years (Supported through EVAAS data)
- Awarded Middle College Teacher of the Year for the 2014, 2015, and 2016 school years.
- Created district-wide African America infusion curriculum.
- Leadership Roles: Lead Teacher, S.I.T Chair, T.A.C representative, Social Studies Department Chair, Magnet School Liaison, Deputy Administrator
Teacher
WS/FCS F.A.C.E
Winston-Salem
01.2012 - 01.2017
- Increased district graduation rates in the WSFCS district consistently for four years
- Created and implemented individualized instruction graduation plans and new course programs.
Teacher
WS/FCS HANES MAGNET SCHOOL
Winston-Salem
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Facilitated instruction in HAG, AG 8th grade social studies content.
- Established the Reading Buddy Program to promote disability sensitivity within the student body.
- Leadership Roles: Served as Deputy Administrator
Teacher
WS/FCS GRIFFITH ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL (Currently Main Street Academy)
Winston-Salem
01.2004 - 01.2009
- Facilitated instruction for all levels of middle school social studies.
- Modified and improved student behavior using various intervention techniques.
- Established positive student/teacher relationships.
Education
Master of Science - Educational Administration & Leadership
THE UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON
Scranton, PA01.2011
Bachelor of Arts - History
WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY
Winston-Salem, NC01.2003
Skills
- Collaboration with teachers
- Instructional strategy development
- Professional development facilitation
- Student performance evaluation
- Discipline and safety compliance
- Educational policy advocacy
- Strategic planning
- Partnership development
- Conflict resolution
- Effective communication
- Team building
- Mentoring and coaching
- Data analysis for decision making
- Critical thinking
- Academic administration
- College and career readiness
- Transportation coordination
- Budget development
- Academic advising
Community Service
- Junior & Senior Advisor, Crosby Scholars, Winston Salem, NC
- Volunteer, YMCA Latino Achievers, Winston Salem, NC
- Volunteer, YMCA Black Achievers, Winston Salem, NC
- Volunteer, Center of Smart Financial Choices, Winston Salem, NC
- Collaborator, The Poetry Project, Winston Salem, NC
Presentations Speaking Media
- Invited Speaker and host of town hall discussion, River Run Film Festival movie premiere 'And Then I Go' with a focus on school violence
- Invited Speaker, Center for Smart Financial Choices, Investing in Our Youth
- Invited Speaker, Winston Salem Forsyth County School System, Identity Safe Classrooms
- Invited Speaker, Winston Salem Forsyth County School System Collaborative Conference, Diversity in the Classroom
- Invited Participant, Winston Salem Forsyth County School System, Discussion Panel with the Superintendent
Licensures And Concentrations
- Professional Educator’s License - North Carolina, Middle School Social Studies (6-9)
- Standard Professional II, High School Social Studies (9-12)
- NC Administrator (K-12)
- Academically Gifted (K-12)
Timeline
Assistant Principal
WINSTON SALEM FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS
01.2025 - Current
FAPA Board President
WINSTON SALEM FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS (DISTRICT WIDE)
01.2024 - Current
Equity Ambassador
WINSTON SALEM FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS (DISTRICT WIDE)
01.2023 - 01.2025
Advisor
CROSBY SCHOLARS
01.2022 - Current
AP Mentor
WINSTON SALEM FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS (DISTRICT WIDE)
01.2022 - 01.2025
FAPA Board Vice President
WINSTON SALEM FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS (DISTRICT WIDE)
01.2022 - 01.2023
Assistant Principal of Instruction
MIDDLE COLLEGE OF FORSYTH & EARLY COLLEGE OF FORSYTH
01.2017 - 01.2025
Teacher
WS/FCS MIDDLE COLLEGE OF FORSYTH
01.2012 - 01.2017
Teacher
WS/FCS F.A.C.E
01.2012 - 01.2017
Teacher
WS/FCS HANES MAGNET SCHOOL
01.2009 - 01.2012
Teacher
WS/FCS GRIFFITH ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL (Currently Main Street Academy)
01.2004 - 01.2009
Master of Science - Educational Administration & Leadership
THE UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON
Bachelor of Arts - History
WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY