Administrator Spotlight - Brandie Williams

Superintendent Brandie Williams describes herself as a “true nerd” when it came to school growing up. She says, “I loved learning, meeting new people, making friends, participating in extracurricular activities, being a part of something bigger, and contributing to the school community – spreading school spirit. That felt ‘natural’ to me.” So, when it was time to start planning her future, there was no doubt about what she would do. “I knew I wanted to be a teacher.”

Brandie attended Arkansas State University and graduated with a bachelors degree in 2000. She began by teaching 4th grade in the Nettleton School District, but went on to work in various parts of the state throughout her career. She taught 3rd and 4th grade at Clarendon School District, 5th grade at Wynne School District, and at the England School District she held roles as a 6th grade teacher, instructional facilitator/federal programs coordinator, and elementary principal. “Each one of these districts holds a special place in my heart,” she says. “I developed friendships that have lasted a lifetime, I worked with passionate educators, and I gained an incredible amount of respect for those serving across the state.”

As she moved through her career, she still hoped to one day lead in her home district – Trumann – where she could be near family. Four years ago, that hope was fulfilled when she was hired as Assistant Superintendent of the Trumann School District. She became the district’s Superintendent last year. She says “I call it the ‘boomerang effect,’ when you land back where you started. My love for education started as a child in the Trumann School District, and I see it as a true blessing to be leading there now.”

Brandie believes that some people are just born to be educators, and describes the work as “not easy. It is not for the faint of heart. It is a commitment, well beyond 3:30pm in the afternoon. If someone is considering education and they feel like nothing else in life will make them happy, I think those are the ones that were born to serve as public educators.” For her part, Brandie can’t imagine doing anything outside of education, and says she would be either teaching in a classroom or leading as principal if she were not in her current role. “Education is my talent and my hobby. It’s where I feel I can contribute to the greater good, working to give students the best chance at becoming their best selves.” Her favorite part about her job is making connections with others and working with them to make the school experience better for kids. The most challenging part of her job is having enough time, saying “The demands, needs, deadlines, commitments, and goals are continually fighting for time. The day in the life of any educator is busy – filled with more than the clock allows. Each step from teacher to superintendent grows in responsibilities and time needed to meet the needs of those you are serving.”

The most significant change she has noticed over the course of her career is the focus on public educators and public schools to take on a growing number of responsibilities each year, stating “Public educators are trained to teach, with a focus on content, teaching strategies, developmental levels of learners, classroom management, etc., but more and more they are being called on to navigate safety/security of schools, mental health, specialized learning needs, and societal/political demands that are continually in flux. While it is wonderful that public schools are readily accessible to students and families and can aid in addressing many of these impacts, the demands are causing great stress to educators.”

Brandie says others would describe her as someone who is “serious about the work.” She works hard and long hours and expects that out of those around her, with everyone striving towards continuous improvement in order to benefit students and families. She believes in public education and that it should serve all students well, but that it can only happen if everyone does their part.

Others may be surprised to know Brandie is married to a Baptist preacher. They have two girls, Emilie and Chloie, and a sheepadoodle puppy named Barkley. Her biggest hobby is supporting her daughters in their many activities: volleyball, basketball, softball, OM events, and Quiz Bowl Tournaments. What free time remains is spent with family, friends, and their church family. She also loves traveling and seeing various parts of the United States with her family. Her largest Bucket List item is to explore all 50 states before her girls both graduate from high school. “This past Spring Break we went out west and visited six states. We road-tripped 50 hours in 7 days and had a blast doing it!”

What are the goals you are still working toward?

My lifelong professional dream is to attain my doctorate and after retirement from K-12, spend time in higher education helping future administrators prepare for serving in the K-12 setting and/or working in some capacity at the state level aiding schools with specific needs.

Tell us about any awards or recognition you have received.

I have been a National Board Certified Educator since 2005 (recertifying in 2015). I am a Google Certified Level 1 and Level 2 Educator, as well as a Google Certified Trainer. I currently serve on the AAEA Board of Directors and the ArkASPA Board of Directors as ArkASPA Board President.

What have you done that you are most proud of?

During my time as an educator, my most proud moments were spent in a classroom setting with students, either as a teacher engaged in lessons or during observations and visits to classrooms as an administrator. Taking time to talk to students, spending time investing in them in the instructional setting, and engaging with them while they are participating in activities they love is my “happy place.”

What do you see as the biggest benefit of AAEA membership?

From my first day as principal, AAEA has been a source of strength and knowledge for me. I remember being “green” as a beginning administrator and soaking in every word from the leaders across the state that were presenting at various AAEA conferences/events. Over time, I felt more and more a part of the process and saw the impact of participating, growing in knowledge, the importance of taking part in the legislative process, and the responsibility in giving back to the AAEA community of learning. I find the AAEA to be critical to my continual growth, development, and involvement as an administrator in the state of Arkansas.