Richard Williams

Richard Williams is a special education teacher for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). Williams has worked in general education schools in self-contained EBD classrooms and two special education centers for students with severe EBD. He has a master’s in special education from Clark Atlanta University and is currently in the Leadership in Educational Administration program at Cappella University with a focus on compassion fatigue in special education teachers. An active CEC member, Williams has been a Reality 101 blogger as well as a member of the Yes I Can and Diversity Committees. Outside of the classroom, he is a plant-based lifestyle and animal rights advocate who runs a blog of book reviews and current events. In his spare time, he loves to read and go on hikes with his dog.

"Wake Up Everybody": Time to Think Ahead

By

Richard Williams

on

February 25, 2021

image of a coffee cup that says "black lives matter at schools" next to a laptop on top of a desk

As teachers, we are often very resistant to trouble. I mean...PBIS, right? But sometimes, you have to—as the beloved John Lewis often said and reminded us before he became ancestor—get in ‘good trouble’. Read more >

Category:

From the Field

Topics:

Cultural Diversity

Disproportionality

Diversity in the Field

Be the Change

By

Richard Williams

on

June 02, 2020

The nation has been rocked by the deaths of numerous Black people in the past weeks. What does this have to do with special education? Here are some insight from one Black male special educator. Read more >

Category:

From the Field

Topics:

Disproportionality

Cultural Diversity

Diversity in the Field

“It. Will. Be. O.K.”: What I’ve Learned About Navigating COVID-19

By

Richard Williams

on

April 16, 2020

As a brand-new central office administrator, I have learned a lot through the COVID-19 crisis. One of the most important things I want teachers and other practitioners to know is that you are not alone. Read more >

Category:

From the Field

Topics:

Remote Learning

We’re Winning But We’re Tired: How I’m Keeping the Momentum Going From Our Fight for Educational Equity Both In and Out of the Classroom

By

Richard Williams

on

November 13, 2019

It’s officially Fall, and teachers everywhere are celebrating the recent victory of the Chicago Teachers Union. At the same time, we are tired, burnt out, and counting down the days until Thanksgiving break. Here's how I'm keeping the momentum going – not only on a political level, but in the classroom as well. Read more >

Category:

From the Field

Topics:

Cultural Diversity

Diversity in the Field

Disproportionality

Meeting the Collaboration Challenge

By

Richard Williams

on

October 10, 2019

Collaboration is critical for both special education teachers and their students - but it comes with a distinct set of challenges. Here are some of the strategies my school employs to foster teamwork, sharing, and communication. Read more >

Category:

From the Field

Topics:

Professional Collaboration

Working with Colleagues

Richard Williams

"Wake Up Everybody": Time to Think Ahead

Be the Change

“It. Will. Be. O.K.”: What I’ve Learned About Navigating COVID-19

We’re Winning But We’re Tired: How I’m Keeping the Momentum Going From Our Fight for Educational Equity Both In and Out of the Classroom

Meeting the Collaboration Challenge

Blog categories