Charity Ann Williams

Tell us why you became a teacher

I am an advocate before I am a teacher. My goal as a teacher is to combine special education and disability advocacy with yoga, and holistic wellness with my own humanity and values. I want to facilitate and create safe spaces for people to make mistakes, fail forward, and simply want to learn. I feel successful when my students want to come to school every day and keep trying.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was actually a culmination of all the experiences I had during my first year as an Inclusion Specialist. I was blessed with the opportunity to organize our first drive-through Graduation, which included Self-Contained students. It was so incredible to see students who are typically marginalized, who were being celebrated along with their non-disabled peers, and it really lit a fire for me as far as what one person can do to uplift the lives of many others.

What would you do with the $25,000?

My goal is to open a yoga studio with a specific focus on people with learning differences. This is something that's near and dear to my heart because of my upbringing - my mother spent 25+ years working with adults with special needs, so Igrew up advocating for others, which has brought me to my career as an Inclusion Specialist. Opening up a yoga studio has already been a dream of mine. I believe it will be a positive addition to Memphis, providing a safe and inclusive place for people.