A true advocate for education and the future of our children! *Darrell Williams, Ph.D.* Your choice for the U.S. Senate!
Dr. Darrell Williams
Greetings educators and administrators, my name is Dr. Darrell Williams and I am running for the United States Senate. For more than 25 years, I have served our children as an educator, principal interim superintendent of schools.….and I was humbled to be selected as National Principal of the Year in 2013.
In addition to my civilian career, I served for 29 years in the United States Army, which included combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan, where I was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart Medal. Most recently, I have served all Wisconsinites as the Governor- appointed Administrator of Wisconsin Emergency Management.
Educators, I need your help. You are looking at someone who truly values education, ‘not only in words, but in deeds.’
As a teacher in Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), I was a proud member of the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association and served as the Building Representative at Hamlin Garland Elementary School. I also served as the President of the Middle School Principals Collaborative. Additionally, I briefly served as President of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Alliance of Black School Educators (MMABSE), of which I am also a life member.
In MPS, I started the Student Leadership Initiative to increase student achievement, decrease violence in schools and to help clog the “school-to-prison pipeline.” In addition, I established the Twilight Program and other alternative programs to suspension to increase student achievement within our schools. I proudly served the children of MPS for 22 years, before ultimately becoming the Interim Superintendent of the School District of Beloit, .where I served for 4 years.
Dr. Darrell Williams
As Interim Superintendent, I helped implement the National High School of Business program to help students in their business and entrepreneurial endeavors. I also helped kickstart the Grow Your Own Multicultural Teacher Scholarship to increase the number of diverse teachers. This not only allowed us to GROW OUR OWN teachers, but keep them in Wisconsin. I also worked collaboratively with the Beloit Education Association and encouraged teachers to be part of their union (i.e., BEA, MTEA, etc.), as I believe teachers are stronger with a union than without. Hence, I am intimately aware and have been in the struggle to promote teachers’ rights and give voice to their issues and concerns. Additionally, I established the Knight of Distinction Recognition Program which is one of the largest student and teacher honors events in the state.
My friends, as an educator myself, I know there is no greater profession in the world. Education is the only profession that gives birth to all others. But also, I understand the challenges you face everyday in our schools and in our classrooms.
As your United States Senator:
1. I will use my experience and knowledge to connect theory with practice to improve the quality of life for all Wisconsinites. I will work to provide equitable access to educational opportunities for our children, parents, and communities.
2. I will fight for better working conditions in our schools. Schools need air conditioning and appropriate heat so teachers and students are not baking in the summer and freezing in the winter.
3. I will work to expand broadband services throughout the state.
4. I will advocate for greater school funding, increased teacher pay and better healthcare benefits.
5. I will work with our high schools, colleges, and universities to develop and expand entrepreneurship opportunities for students.
6. I will work with Historically Black Colleges and Universities and our Historically Hispanic Serving Institutions to build bridges and recruit and hire more minority teachers that reflect the diversity of our state, the students we serve, and the communities we live in.
7. I will work with our local colleges and universities to develop teacher education pipelines from high school back to the classroom. This will allow us to GROW OUR OWN teachers and keep them here in Wisconsin.
8. I will work to creatively address violence in our schools and the community in order to improve school safety.
9. I will work with our stakeholders to address issues related to the school-to-prison pipeline, by getting and keeping students in school, not prison.
10. I will work to collaboratively and consultatively ensure that the educational issues, concerns, and needs of our tribal nations are addressed.
11. If we truly believe diversity is our strength, we must be bold in our recruitment and retention of minorities, especially educators and administrators within our schools.
Educators, I once heard someone say that, “The growth of a nation starts in the homes of its people.” But for almost 8 hours a day, the most important and the most influential place in America is in our schools and most impactful, in our classrooms. Colleagues, for too long, politics has been chosen over the people. This is our time and this is our moment to choose the right candidate over politics. If you want someone with the knowledge, skills, and ability to work for our educators at the national level and get results at the state and local level, I am he. Let’s not play politics with our children. Vote for someone who understands you and will fight for you. The reason is simple: To lead me is to know me. Not only do I know you; I am one of you. Hence, I humbly ask for your support and ultimately, your vote.
