Thera Williams
Math, St. Ville Elementary
Thera knows many of her students have been impacted by the pandemic & Hurricane Ida. She feels her school is part of a village students can trust for anything.
What is the best thing about working at your school? The best thing about working here is we have a team and principal that is very supportive.
Why did you become a teacher? I became a teacher because I wanted to have a job I found rewarding. I wanted to be able to invest in someone other than myself.
What sort of impact do you hope to have on your students? I hope to teach them to always persevere and never give up and reach beyond what they think they can do.
How does it make you feel knowing you impact student’s lives everyday? It feels amazing to know that each day I am doing something for these kids. Whether it is helping them with math or just giving them a hug. Just knowing they are leaving here with something they didn’t come here with and knowing I care about them is enough.
Are you an early bird or a night owl? I am an early bird. I get up early and I have the most energy in the morning. At night I’m done!
Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by? “There is no elevator to success, you must take the stairs.” This quote has proven true in my life. Things haven't come easy for me, they came slow and steady.
What are some traditions you have for the first day of school? Many people say be stern on the first day of school for that first impression with the students. But I prefer to be myself, which is a more funny teacher. It takes the weight off because they are already nervous about coming to school and I find it helps.
Have you ever completed anything on your “bucket list”? Yes! I traveled to Cuba with my husband and my kids.
What is your favorite show to binge watch and why? My favorite show to binge watch is Chrisley Knows Best. He is hilarious. I can’t watch that show and not smile so it’s a guaranteed laugh.
What would you like to achieve this year? I want to make sure learning is happening but I also want to keep my passion. With all that we have experienced with COVID and Hurricane Ida, I don’t want to lose my passion for what I do. I have been teaching for 7 years and it’s been an amazing 7 years. We have had some stressful days, but I can’t see myself doing anything else.
