Press Release:
Pending the approval of the CSD Board of School Directors at its August legislative meeting, Dr. Elsie Russell has been named interim principal at Glenside Elementary School. Most recently, Dr. Russell has served as the vice principal/lead administrator at Cedarbrook Middle School East since March 30. Prior to that, she served as vice principal at Wyncote Elementary School. Dr. Russell has been with the district for 11 years and has more than 20 years of experience in education.
During her time at the Cheltenham School District, she has served in several other roles, including climate and culture administrator, math specialist, reading specialist, and classroom teacher, supporting students and staff across Cheltenham, Glenside, and Wyncote Elementary Schools.
“After eleven years of serving the Cheltenham School District, I am honored to return to Glenside Elementary as interim principal,” said Dr. Russell. “Returning to a community I know and deeply value makes this opportunity especially meaningful. Glenside is defined by dedicated educators, remarkable students, and supportive families, and I look forward to partnering with each of you as we continue building upon a culture of learning, leadership, and belonging through visionary leadership and a shared commitment to excellence.”
Throughout her time in the district, she has focused on strengthening systems that support students academically and socially. She has led the implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) frameworks in multiple buildings, supported instructional teams through data-informed practices and “What I Need” (WIN) planning. She also developed student leadership opportunities such as the student ambassadors and Playworks Junior Coach programs. She has also partnered with families and Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs) to expand opportunities for student engagement.
Her doctoral work at Drexel University focused on teacher professional development, and she has had the opportunity to lead district-wide and building-based professional learning focused on MTSS, PBIS, and culturally responsive instructional practices that support student growth.
She believes strong relationships and strong systems create engaging learning environments where every student and educator feels a sense of belonging and is supported to thrive, and that philosophy continues to guide my work as an educator and school leader.
Dr. Russell resides in Northeast Philadelphia with her husband and children, and enjoys cooking and traveling.
Shareese Nelson
Pending the approval of the CSD Board of School Directors at its August legislative meeting, Mrs. Shareese Nelson has been named principal at Cheltenham Elementary. Mrs. 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,” Mrs. 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.”
A recognized leader in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Mrs. Nelson has had her work showcased at the Pennsylvania Positive Behavior Support (PAPBS) State Forum, where she shared innovative student engagement strategies with educators from across Pennsylvania, and was 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.
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 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.
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.
For all the latest news, follow us on Facebook or sign up for Glenside Local’s “Daily Buzz” newsletter here.
Photos: CSD