• Education Background:  Graduate of the following institutions: Hueytown High School (Jefferson County School Systems),Advanced Academic Diploma; Jacksonville State University (Jacksonville, Alabama), Bachelor of Science Degree in Clothing and Marketing; University of Alabama in Birmingham, Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, Certification in Early Childhood Education; Alabama State University (Montgomery, Alabama), Master of Education Degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education.

• Professional Educator Certificates:  Class A, Early Childhood (Grades P-3); Class A, Elementary (Grades 1-6); Class B, Early Childhood; Class B, Elementary.

• 33 years of teaching experience

            25 years in first grade

               8 years in second grade

• Name: Gilda Watson

Based on the standards of the Department of Education in the State of Alabama, I meet the designation of a Highly Qualified Teacher. I was selected as an Honoree two years consecutive, (2004-2005 & 2005-2006) for Who's Who Among America's Teachers.  I was honored to be selected as the 2017-2018 "Teacher of the Year" for Abrams Elementary.

• Education: Graduate of Hueytown High School/Jefferson County School Systems; Jacksonville State University; University of Alabama in Birmingham; Alabama State University, Montgomery Alabama.

• Family: Mother-Elizabeth Mayo Watson, Retired Teacher, 37 Years in the Bessemer City School System.  She retired from    Hard Elementary; Father- the late Booker T. Watson, Sr.; Only girl of four children, I have 3 brothers.

• Affiliations: Member of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Bessemer, Alabama; Member of National Education Association; Member of Alabama Education Association; Member of Bessemer Reading Council.