BOB WILLIAMS
Mathematics Teacher, Grades 9-12
Palmer, Alaska
Total years as a classroom teacher: 29
EDUCATION
University of Alaska- Anchorage M.Ed in Educational Leadership 2006
Columbia University Master of Arts in Mathematics Education 1991
University of Alaska—Fairbanks Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering 1982
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Present Director, Division of Educator & School Excellence, Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
2006 to 2017 9-12 Math, Colony High School, Palmer, Alaska
2004 to 2006 K-12 Alaska Statewide Mentorship Project
1997 to 2004 9-12 Math, Palmer High School, Palmer, Alaska
1994 to 1997 7-12 Math, Houston Jr./Sr. High School, Houston, Alaska
1991 to 1994 9-12 Math Nome Beltz Jr./ Sr. High School, Nome, Alaska
1989 to 1991 9-12 Math, New York City Public Schools. Harlem/Bronx/Brownsville, New York
1987 to 1989 9-12 Math, Peace Corps Volunteer Teacher, Gambia
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
2011 National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification
2010 NEA Foundation Horace Mann Award for Excellence in Teaching
2009 NSF Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching
2009 Alaska State Teacher of the Year
2008 Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District Teacher of the Year
2008 Colony High School Teacher of the Year
- Williams believes that all students who walk through his classroom door must feel respected, valued, welcomed, and safe so that they can learn, thrive, and flourish.
- Williams motivates and inspires students through class mathematical cheers. Collaborative school-wide math assemblies, and the personal encouragement of each student with comments like, “I love your work ethic. I believe in you.”
“Bob is inspiring to all his students, colleagues, and parents he serves, and he represents all educators through his passionate teaching style, love for teaching, and his high standards of respect he creates in his classroom for all students to be successful. He cares deeply for students and the education process.”
–Trevor Townsend, teaching colleague
“Bob Williams has a passion for collegiality and professional growth, and he is very informed as a teacher and a leader. He has a deep commitment to teaching and student learning for all students, from the struggling learners to the high octane math students.”
— Brendon McMahon, Principal, Colony High