Deep Impact
Myers counselor honored as Educator of the Year for work outside of class
Audra Williams works beyond to meet the needs of the whole child , and not just during the school day .
Since she joined the district in 2008 , Audra Williams has been meeting the needs of the whole child , and not just during the school day .
For her work with students , her support of Community in Schools of North Texas and her involvement with the Afterschool Centers on Education program , Mrs . Williams was honored as the 2016 CISNT Educator of the Year .
“ I am very humbled to receive [ the award ] and to be acknowledged for the work that I enjoy doing . It speaks to what a social worker can do and shines a little light on our profession ,” said Mrs . Williams .
As Myers Middle School ’ s first student assistance counselor , she supports the health and welfare of all students , overseeing the school ’ s prevention and intervention services . Mrs . Williams does this by fostering positive relationships with students , providing anger management , intervening in crises and helping prevent bullying .
As a social worker , Mrs . Williams says she isn ’ t limited to the academic struggles students may face . She feels her role is to take a sincere interest the whole child as well as the entire family . Together , she and CISNT staff complete home visits Myers families to address environmental stressors that could be affecting students and help them make connections with mentors , tutors , and programs that offer help .
“ Audra helps students succeed because she meets them where they are in life and then leads
Counselor Audra Williams participates with students in a dodgeball game during PE . Mrs . Williams finds success through non-traditional ways of connecting with the students .
Myers Middle School sixth grader Jose Navarrao shows Audra Williams , student assistance counselor , where to throw the ball during a friendly game of dodgeball at the end of the school year .
Photos by Courtney Martin
them to a place where they are able to establish self-confidence , self-control , and self-worth ,” said Justina Record , CISNT site coordinator .
In her work with ACE , which emphasizes homework completion , social skills and enrichment activities for students , Mrs . Williams leads student groups through a variety of workshops to cover those topics each day after school . By ensuring that her students ’ emotional and social needs are being met , they ’ re able to perform better in the classroom , Mrs . Williams said .
“ I am very humbled to receive [ the award ] and to be acknowledged for the work that I enjoy doing . It speaks to what a social worker can do
and shines a little light on our profession ,”
- Audra Williams
“ The entire Myers family is incredibly proud of Mrs . Williams and the hard work she puts in dayin and day-out to provide the best resources for our students ,” said Angela Ricks , Myers principal . “ Our school is a great educational environment for students to learn – and a major aspect of that environment is its role as a safe place , which is something Mrs . Williams provides .”
By providing that safe place , Mrs . Williams has been able to nurture and grow students towards success , graduation , and fulfilling roles in the community . Starting this fall , she will work with many of her former Myers ’ students as she transitions to a new position at Ryan High School , where she plans to watch many of them continue to succeed beyond the classroom .
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