Opal Davis Dawson
@OpalDDawsonOpal Davis Dawson is an accomplished author, consultant, coach, and facilitator, as well as an award-winning retired principal of a Montessori school for PreK-5 students. With over 35 years of experience in K-12 education, she is also a member of the ASCD Faculty and co-founder of the Best College Match Foundation, where she serves as Chief Education Officer. Opal collaborates with schools and districts both nationally and internationally to design and implement professional learning initiatives, build leadership capacity, and enhance instructional practices for diverse student populations. Her experience spans urban, suburban, and rural communities. Her areas of expertise include instructional leadership, curriculum design, professional learning communities (PLCs), balanced literacy, assessment, social-emotional learning, differentiated instruction, school culture, and classroom behavior management. Known for her engaging facilitation style, Opal is often described as energizing, relatable, and practical. Teachers leave her sessions equipped with immediately applicable strategies; paraeducators gain confidence in their daily roles; administrators appreciate her reflective coaching; and aspiring leaders feel inspired to take on leadership positions. Families and community partners have expressed that her guidance brings reassurance and hope for students' futures. Opal holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education, as well as an Administration Certification from the University of Louisville. She is also the co-author of *Best College Match: 5 Steps that Earned $1 Million in Scholarships* (BK Royston Publishers, 2016), with a second edition scheduled for release in 2026. This book helps students and families navigate postsecondary pathways and secure scholarships that match their best interests.@OpalDDawson has not made any collections public yet.