Clinton educators coached on 'ruthless equity'
Jan. 4—CLINTON — Nationally recognized author, trainer, speaker and consultant in educational leadership Ken Williams coached 280 Clinton Community School District teachers and administrators Tuesday in the high school cafeteria for three hours on "ruthless equity."
"I and our staff at Clinton Middle School felt the message was encouraging and motivating," Clinton Middle School Principal Andy Prinsen said. "We believe in having high expectations for student learning in our curriculum. Mr. Williams challenged us to laser-focus on promise standards."
Clinton School District Superintendent Gary DeLacy said that the administrative team had gotten the chance to listen to Williams during training in September. He challenged the delivery of a professional learning community and DeLacy had decided that he wanted the teaching staff to hear him as well.
"At Clinton Middle School," Prinsen added, "we will continue to mold these standards into project-based learning experiences that include support so all students can achieve their best."
Williams, known for his powerful and engaging manner, is originally from New York. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Morehouse College and a master of science from the University of Bridgeport. He is also a former Jonesboro, Georgia, and Damascus, Maryland, principal.
Williams uses his firsthand experience of transforming challenged schools with action-oriented presentations that inspire, create a clear vision, and offer strategies to educators overwhelmed by challenges.
Coaching throughout all of North America for the past 16 years, Williams helps leaders to build cultures of equity, excellence and achievement, regardless of background.
"The thing is, with equity work when we bathe in pity we cannot be advocates," Williams said. "It makes us victims."
With activities, Clinton educators defined equity in education and were coached on what it means to bring it to fruition through strategic practices.
"Mr. Williams went on to share his expectations that educators 'start with the crown' to teach and lift students to high expectations," Prinsen explained, "never lowering expectations to meet where a student may be performing at the moment."
Williams' company is called "Unfold the Soul." It can be found online on social media platforms and at www.unfoldthesoul.com.
