Joseph Williams, the technology director in California’s Perris Union High School District, demands fast responses to IT problems and insists on keeping close connections to teaching and learning by sitting in on lessons and coaching his colleagues. Williams oversees a $3.2 million technology budget that supports Chromebooks for all 10,700 students, has dramatically expanded opportunities for students and staff to learn computer science, and provides “maker spaces” for hands-on student building and creation. “What I didn’t want to do was try to effect change by riding a desk,” Williams says. “I needed to be able to lead from the classroom.” This video was produced as part of Education Week’s Leaders To Learn From project, recognizing outstanding school district leaders from around the country. More at http://leaders.edweek.org
Coverage of leadership, expanded learning time, and arts learning is supported in part by a grant from The Wallace Foundation, at www.wallacefoundation.org. Education Week retains sole editorial control over the content of this coverage.
