Elementary School Principal Named In Cheltenham

CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP, PA — The Cheltenham Township School Board is expected to name Shareese Nelson as the new principal of Cheltenham Elementary.

Nelson, who has served in the role in an interim capacity since March 30, was previously the vice principal/lead administrator at Cedarbrook Middle School East, and the interim principal of Elkins Park School, following four years as building vice principal.

“I am thrilled to continue serving the Cheltenham Elementary School community as principal,” Nelson said. “It is truly an honor to lead such a caring, dedicated, and inspiring school community. I look forward to continuing our work together with students, staff, and families as we build on our successes, strengthen our partnerships, and create even more opportunities for every child to learn, grow, and thrive.”

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Known for her systems-driven approach to leadership, 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.

Nelson joined the Cheltenham School District in 2017 as the 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.

Before joining Cheltenham, 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,” Nelson lives in Wyncote with her husband and two children.