Mr. Williams Brings a Sense of Home to School

Whether dribbling in the gym or volunteering at an afterschool program, Mr. Benjamin Williams has always felt at home at school. And, as of this school year, he has a new school to call home: Walls. 

At Walls, Williams teaches AP World History and DC History and Government. His interest in history was first sparked when he volunteered at high schools in Israel where he leaxxrned more about how different socio-economic backgrounds play into a student’s opportunity for a good education. This life changing experience led Williams to major in political science with an emphasis on public policy. 

Williams has been teaching at DC public schools for the past 11 years. Although it’s his first year at Walls, Williams is already making significant contributions to the Penguin community. He kicked off his first summer at Walls by helping support the boys basketball team. 

Beyond his work on the court and in the classroom, Mr. Williams is also active in educational policy. He is the first teacher in DC’s history to be a current DCPS teacher while serving as a representative to the DC State Board of Education. As an advocate for equity in public schools, Williams has lobbied to have a nurse and a librarian present at every DCPS school and is pushing to fund investments in literacy.  

Williams decided to teach at Walls because he appreciates how the students set high expectations for themselves and have a “deep natural curiosity to learn.” To Williams, Walls is “a place where teachers can really teach.”  

Williams takes a holistic approach to teaching, focusing  on the “social and emotional” aspect of learning, as well as the more traditional aspects of a curriculum. Williams makes it a point to meet and connect with each student, and works to identify how to help each student individually. Jacob Lucia (‘27), one of Williams’ students, explained that “[Williams] comes into the classroom with a very warm energy” that makes him “feel like [he] can share and create a personal connection.” 

Rory Leavitt (‘25) agreed that Williams brings a warm energy and further argued that Williams illustrates Walls’ efforts to make the school an open and safe space for everyone to learn. “He adjusts his teaching style and his lesson plans based on how kids are feeling that day and how much they’re going to be able to get through,” Leavitt said. Williams’ support helps students juggle other activities and assignments while still learning and understanding the material in the course, according to Leavitt. 

Williams’ unique teaching style is leading to greater classroom interest in the subjects he teaches. Jacob Lucia (‘27), a student in AP World History  explained that, “In his class I have found a love for history that I didn’t discover with other teachers.” 

For a successful academic year, Mr. Williams recommends communicating with teachers, staying organized, and finding a supportive group of friends to make learning more social and enjoyable. Given that advice, it seems in the best interests of all Walls students to find time to catch up with Mr. Williams, on or off the court.