Practice session with Dr. Avis Williams
How do district leaders ensure that scholars and employees are mentally and emotionally healthy? Now more than ever, we must recognize the signs of secondary traumatic stress (STS) that lead to teacher exhaustion and burnout. Educators today are faced with increased accountability, serving many families in poverty, and a pandemic that led to unrealistic expectations. Through intentional support Team SELma empowers principals, teachers and staff to not only recognize STS but to prioritize self-care, wellness and internal customer service. Whether you serve in an urban or rural district, join Dr. Avis Williams of Selma City Schools as she shares the journey towards excellence in providing supports, the SELma Way for scholars, families and employees.
She received her undergraduate degree from Athens State University, master’s from Alabama A&M and Jacksonville State Universities, education specialist degree and her doctorate from the University of Alabama. She taught English and Physical Education and coached dance team and track. Avis has been an elementary, middle and high school principal. She was the executive director of curriculum and instruction in North Carolina where she led instruction for over 60 schools. Before moving to Selma, she served as the assistant superintendent for curriculum in Tuscaloosa City Schools.
She is the author of a children’s chapter book, Welcome to Chase Shadows. Her joy comes from spending time with her daughter Briahna, running, writing and being a “dog mom” to her standard poodles, CoCo and Butterscotch. Avis enjoys public speaking and giving back to her community while working with families in need.
A graduate of Leadership Alabama Class XXIX, she is a member of the Rotary Club of Selma, the ASCD board of directors, School Superintendents of Alabama District 2 president, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. and the Selma Chapter of the Links, Inc. Avis has created and delivered dozens of professional development and motivational sessions to churches, student groups, educators and leaders nationwide. She was awarded the Marbury Technology Innovation award by the AL State Department of Education in 2011 as a principal and 2019 as superintendent. A finalist for state Superintendent of the Year in 2019, Dr. Avis Williams is humbled and honored to be a part of the Historic Selma community and to serve as superintendent of Selma City Schools.
