Frances Watson-Hester has been an educator in public schools for the past 26 years. Her experience includes being a teacher, counselor, coordinator, assistant principal, and principal. Frances is currently the Senior Director for the Teaching and Learning Center at Harris County Department of Education. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Grambling State University and master's degrees in counseling and administration from Texas Southern University. She also completed a doctorate from Texas Southern in Educational Leadership.  Ms. Hester has been providing schools and school districts with professional development and administrative support in the areas of Equity and Culture, Equity Assessments/Audits, Building Relationships with students in at-risk situations, Restorative Discipline/Practices, Mentorship Training, and School Board Training, etc.  Frances also enjoys working with staff to address adult behaviors that affect/impact student learning. Frances was named 2002 Regional Principal of the year, recipient of Community Engagement Award and TABSE Distinguished Principal of the Year.