students take part in classes at Price and have an opportunity for immediate feedback from the teaching community.
Williams’ life path took a few detours, working as a painter and a wastewater technician, before becoming a teacher, but she feels it’s what she was meant to be. “When I was 4 my mom knew I was going to be a teacher,” she says. “I was always explaining things to the boys in the neighborhood. It’s always been in my blood.”
Williams Creates Education Program Built on Experience It’s been a chilly winter so far in northeast Indiana, but Dr. Lisa Williams exudes her own Southern warmth.
Williams has built an education program that addresses what she feels is a key need for future teachers: more time in the field.
Williams was lured north from the University of Southern Mississippi by the opportunity to become the director of Indiana Tech’s fledgling School of Education. When she came to Fort Wayne for an interview, everything seemed right.
“I’m real big on experience,” she explains. “We put the students out in the field immediately so they can find out whether teaching is right for them.”
Since joining Indiana Tech in the spring of 2007, 8
There it is again, that emphasis on what happens when students have to move into the “real world” of teaching.
Williams concedes that some students are scared off by their initial forays into working with pupils in local schools and choose to change majors. However, “Everything we’re doing is pushing toward more that’s the point of getting them into the field early. hours in the classroom. It really is a great opportunity for the kids,” Williams says. “I’m not “We want teachers who want to be there,” Wilhere just to prepare teachers; I’m here to prepare liams says. “The ones that stick with it are the excellent teachers.” ones that are going to be teachers. The earlier they’re in the classroom, the more likely they are Just a few years ago, the idea of a School of Educato stick with the profession.” tion at Indiana Tech was just that — an idea. But Williams has made it a reality. Although she admits Indiana Tech now has 49 students pursuing degrees it’s been hard work, she’s had no second thoughts in either elementary education or physical educaabout taking on the challenge. tion, but it’s one of the most popular fields among prospective students. “I’m hoping we’ll be having “It has been worth the ride. I love my job,” Williams an explosion of people coming into the program,” declares. “I don’t do it for me. I do it because I really Williams says. believe we can make a difference in America.”
Teaching the Teachers
“When I came to Indiana Tech, it was just like … sometimes you know where you’re supposed to be,” Williams says. “Everybody was so friendly and open. It felt like home.”
classroom, you’ve got to put on that smiley face.”
The Indiana Tech program far exceeds the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education standards for field experience with every education course having a field component. The university worked with Fort Wayne Community Schools in developing the program and has established a Professional Development School at Price Elementary. Indiana Tech TRENDS
Williams taught for several years in Arkansas public schools, a variety of classes including biology, anatomy and physiology, and physical education. She also coached volleyball, basketball, and track. “I loved coaching,” she says. “The kids wanted to be there, and it was a privilege for them to be there.” Teaching at the college level, however, gives Williams an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of her students. “I love teaching college. Young adults… they’re at a point where they can go one direction or another. We can help motivate them and move them in the direction they want to go.”
►► Favorite vacation: Outdoor things like fishing and camping ►► Favorite pastime: Playing guitar and other musical instruments ►► Favorite music: Bluegrass, southern gospel ►► Favorite book: The Bible ►► Favorite movies: “Fried Green Tomatoes,” “The Color Purple”
The small class sizes at Indiana Tech give Williams and her colleagues an opportunity to get to know “the kids.”
►► Hero: Her father. “He always told us: ‘The only thing you have is your name,
so keep it good.’ ”
“We try to bring out their personalities,” she says. “It’s almost like acting. You step up there in front of the Winter 2009
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