Dr. Oatanisha Dawson, President of Next Level Leadership Consulting, LLC. is a seasoned education professional with over two decades of experience in instructional leadership, teacher development, and school administration. 

Prior to Next Level Leadership, her passion for the profession is evidenced by serving as an Instruction and Leadership Coach/Educational Consultant and an extensive career as a Principal and Assistant Principal leading transformative school initiatives and building strong educational communities.  As principal, Dr. Dawson witnessed firsthand how schools thrive when family and community involvement is prioritized and stakeholder voices are amplified to foster trust and drive achievement. Through quality instruction and engagement, her school achieved double-digit gains, was recognized as a Beating the Odds school by the Governor’s office of Student Achievement, and earned the state Superintendent’s Family-Friendly Partnership distinction.

Using her combined professional experiences along with advanced certifications in Teaching and Learning and Educational Leadership, Dr. Dawson has shaped the future of education through higher education roles, serving as an Adjunct Instructor of Teacher Education at three Georgia colleges and universities.

Showcasing her expertise in both research and practical application her leadership extends beyond the classroom, as she actively contributes to national and state-level discussions on educational advancement, curricula and research.

Dr. Dawson’s contributions to education are reinforced by her own published research, professional presentations, and leadership in policy development. Her 2021 publication on school readiness for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) highlights her progressive approach to student success, while her presentations on Math Frameworks, Feedback, Organizational Health, Educational Equity, Trauma-sensitive schools, and Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS), among others, have positioned her as a thought leader in the field. She has also served as President of the leading teacher association in her state with ~100,000 members influencing policy and driving initiatives that benefit educators and students alike.

Her impact extends into civic engagement, where she has championed parent-school partnerships and community-driven education efforts. As a parent-citizen and community leader, Dr. Dawson offers her time to and serves on advisory boards that prioritize supporting educational initiatives and quality youth experiences. 

Commissioned, Dr. Dawson brings a wealth of expertise in education, leadership, and community engagement, making her an invaluable asset to any school, district or educational organization.

Complete resume is available upon request.