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Fondren Middle School's Amanda Williams is dedicated to impacting her students positively and observing their development. Last school year, as a sixth-grade social studies teacher, her dedication earned her the title of Campus Teacher of the Year. This year, she continues to excel in her role as an English Language Development Interventionist for the New Education System (NES) campus and has been recognized as HISD Star Educator of the week.
Williams decided to remain at Fondren Middle School and adopt the NES model after witnessing significant progress among her students. She expressed enthusiasm about the positive outcomes resulting from these educational reforms. Principal LaKia Jackson also shared insights on these developments.
Williams is part of HISD’s Teacher Leader Academy, which aims to enhance leadership skills and help teachers improve their instructional abilities. She shared some personal reflections:
"My favorite subject in school was reading. I’ve always been passionate about literature and helping students develop a love for reading."
Reflecting on her time with HISD, Williams said: "Being a part of the Teacher Leader Academy, and now being a part of the Advance Level Academy, has been incredibly rewarding. These programs have allowed me to grow as an educator and school leader."
She also appreciates Houston's culinary diversity: "My favorite thing about Houston is the variety of foods they have. The diverse culinary scene in our city is truly remarkable and has expanded my palate and appreciation for different cultures."
Looking ahead to this school year, Williams set specific goals: "As an ELDI, one of my goals for my teachers is that by June 2025, 25% of teachers who are on ESL waivers will become fully certified by May 2025. One of my goals for my students is that by June 2025, 60% of Long-Term Emergent Bilingual students will have 40% of students meet their growth target in literacy."