Fondren Middle School’s Amanda Williams loves making a positive impact on her students and seeing them grow. As a sixth-grade social studies teacher last school year, her enthusiasm and commitment earned her Campus Teacher of the Year. This year, she’s thriving in her role as an English Language Development Interventionist for the New Education System (NES) campus and is this week’s HISD Star Educator.

Williams chose to stay with Fondren Middle School and embrace the NES model after seeing firsthand the incredible progress her students are making. Hear from Ms. Williams and Principal LaKia Jackson about the positive outcomes happening through the reforms below.

Williams joined HISD’s Teacher Leader Academy to grow as a leader and expand on her passion for helping teachers build their instructional skills. Learn more about her goals for her students and fellow teachers:

Favorite subject in school: My favorite subject in school was reading. I’ve always been passionate about literature and helping students develop a love for reading.

Favorite memory of your time with HISD: 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.

Favorite thing about Houston: 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.

Goal for your students and staff this upcoming school year: 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.