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FBISD educator named “Region 4 Teacher of Year”
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| Stephanie Williams |
By DIANE TEZENO
Richmond resident Stephanie Williams, a geometry teacher at Travis High School, was recently named “Region 4 Secondary Teacher of the Year.”
Williams learned of the recognition at the Region 4 Teacher of the Year Banquet in August.
The Richmond resident, who has worked in the Fort Bend Independent School District for 7 years, received her most recent honor on the heels of being named “District Teacher of the Year” in Fort Bend ISD in May and “Teacher of the Year” in the fall of 2007.
“I was surprised and excited to have the honor of being named Regional Teacher of the Year,” said Williams.
The Fort Bend ISD educator will advance to participate in the Texas Education Agency's annual Texas Teacher of the Year Program, where an elementary and secondary teacher will be selected to represent the state.
Williams credits her coaches in high school for having a “profound effect” on her decision to become a teacher.
“They used their influence to persuade me to coach a summer league basketball team,” said Williams.
Before, this I had never considered teaching as a career.”
In high school, her goal was to become Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in order to have an impact in the world,” shared Williams.
But advice from a close high school friend, convinced her to enter the teaching arena.
“I shared with [my friend] my newfound interest in teaching and coaching and described how it conflicted with my desire to change the world,”
“‘ The way I see it, you can make laws for the world to follow, or you can become a teacher and make a difference in this world one person at a time,’” shared Williams of her friend’s advice.
Her friend’s timely words played a pivotal role in directing her into teaching.
“That night, I changed my major to mathematics to pursue a career in education,” said Williams.
“Looking back today I know that teaching was my calling and each of these people helped to guide me here,” she added.
Her goal is to build relationships with her students, said the 39-year-old educator, who makes it a top priority to infuse a spirit of enthusiasm and fun in the classroom, as she encourages students to do their personal best.
“It is my goal to learn about my students’ interests and goals to assist them with achieving their dreams,” said Williams.
The Travis High School teacher also focuses on character development and community service.
Students in her geometry class have participated in a range of community service projects, including cooking breakfast for the homeless at The Bread of Life in downtown Houston, wrapping gifts at the Night Before Christmas event with Second Mile Ministries in Stafford to Wacky Wednesday games and crafts for children at the Women’s Center of Fort Bend. Students have also helped with games and crafts for heart patients at Texas Children’s Hospital and served as medal presenters for the Special Olympics.
“I believe that students learn life lessons through these activities which will make them a better student and person,” said Williams.
“Within my own classroom, I endeavor to build strong relationships with my students in order to assist them with academic struggles and also serve as their mentor. I truly believe that my success as a teacher cannot be measured by the awards that I have won, but in the lives of the students whom I have touched,” read an excerpt from an essay submitted for the Region 4 award.
“My daily desire is to teach students how to make learning a lifetime mission. In doing so, I hope my students will be inspired to find the profession that will afford them the same joys that I have found in teaching,” continued Williams.
Williams is currently pursuing a master’s degree in educational administration from Concordia University in Austin.
She resides in Richmond with her husband and 2-year-old daughter, Callie, and also has two step-children, Derek and Ashley.
Williams learned of the recognition at the Region 4 Teacher of the Year Banquet in August.
The Richmond resident, who has worked in the Fort Bend Independent School District for 7 years, received her most recent honor on the heels of being named “District Teacher of the Year” in Fort Bend ISD in May and “Teacher of the Year” in the fall of 2007.
“I was surprised and excited to have the honor of being named Regional Teacher of the Year,” said Williams.
The Fort Bend ISD educator will advance to participate in the Texas Education Agency's annual Texas Teacher of the Year Program, where an elementary and secondary teacher will be selected to represent the state.
Williams credits her coaches in high school for having a “profound effect” on her decision to become a teacher.
“They used their influence to persuade me to coach a summer league basketball team,” said Williams.
Before, this I had never considered teaching as a career.”
In high school, her goal was to become Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in order to have an impact in the world,” shared Williams.
But advice from a close high school friend, convinced her to enter the teaching arena.
“I shared with [my friend] my newfound interest in teaching and coaching and described how it conflicted with my desire to change the world,”
“‘ The way I see it, you can make laws for the world to follow, or you can become a teacher and make a difference in this world one person at a time,’” shared Williams of her friend’s advice.
Her friend’s timely words played a pivotal role in directing her into teaching.
“That night, I changed my major to mathematics to pursue a career in education,” said Williams.
“Looking back today I know that teaching was my calling and each of these people helped to guide me here,” she added.
Her goal is to build relationships with her students, said the 39-year-old educator, who makes it a top priority to infuse a spirit of enthusiasm and fun in the classroom, as she encourages students to do their personal best.
“It is my goal to learn about my students’ interests and goals to assist them with achieving their dreams,” said Williams.
The Travis High School teacher also focuses on character development and community service.
Students in her geometry class have participated in a range of community service projects, including cooking breakfast for the homeless at The Bread of Life in downtown Houston, wrapping gifts at the Night Before Christmas event with Second Mile Ministries in Stafford to Wacky Wednesday games and crafts for children at the Women’s Center of Fort Bend. Students have also helped with games and crafts for heart patients at Texas Children’s Hospital and served as medal presenters for the Special Olympics.
“I believe that students learn life lessons through these activities which will make them a better student and person,” said Williams.
“Within my own classroom, I endeavor to build strong relationships with my students in order to assist them with academic struggles and also serve as their mentor. I truly believe that my success as a teacher cannot be measured by the awards that I have won, but in the lives of the students whom I have touched,” read an excerpt from an essay submitted for the Region 4 award.
“My daily desire is to teach students how to make learning a lifetime mission. In doing so, I hope my students will be inspired to find the profession that will afford them the same joys that I have found in teaching,” continued Williams.
Williams is currently pursuing a master’s degree in educational administration from Concordia University in Austin.
She resides in Richmond with her husband and 2-year-old daughter, Callie, and also has two step-children, Derek and Ashley.
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