Episode 29: "They aren't problem children; they're children with problems." with guest Principal John Williams

Episode 29: "They aren't problem children; they're children with problems." with Guest Principal John Williams

This week, we are joined by Principal John Williams from Phoenix Academy, an alternative high school in Chapel Hill, where he focuses on the idea that “I don’t have problem children. I have children with problems.” He joins our hosts to discuss how he changed the model of alternative schools, by adjusting the culture of the school, addressing systemic issues facing the kids there, and acting as a trauma-informed school. The core of what he does is based on the philosophy: If you want to be successful in life, spend your life trying to make sure others are successful. He gives details about how the kids come to their school - by referral or choice - and how they work to help them through high school, to be successful in life. Mr. Williams explains that in order to close the achievement gap, you have to be purposeful and it can't be done in isolation - schools can't fix it by themselves, it's a community issue. He says, “A school's success should be measured by the help given to the weakest child in the building.” And he’s created a Resource Allocation Collaboration for Equity Task Force to address these issues.

 

More about John Williams:

John A. Williams is the principal of Phoenix Academy High School in Chapel Hill, NC. He is a retired United States Air Force veteran and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.  Mr. Williams entered into the field of education in 2003. He has been a school administrator for 17 years and a principal for the past 10 years. Prior to entering into the field of education Mr. Williams was Domestic Violence Prevention Coordinator for the 14th Judicial Circuit in Panama City, Florida. He left that position and started his private counseling practice. Mr. Williams has worked with both adults and students involved in the criminal justice system. Currently, as the principal of the only alternative school in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools system he works with some of the most fragile students in the community. His area of focus is ensuring the students he serves receive the skills necessary to navigate through life in a manner that ensures they are successful. Mr. Williams was voted the winner of the 2017-2018 Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Principal of the Year. In 2019 he was recognized and received the Duke Energy Citizenship Service Award and was voted Chapel Hill’s Hometown Hero in 2019 as well. Mr. Williams is married to Nederal and they have three absolutely gorgeous daughters.

 

Phoenix Academy High School: Phoenix Academy High School (chccs.org)