Shameka Williams

Athlete, Brainstormer, Change Agent, Concerned citizen, Connector, Designer, Educator/Teacher, Idea generator, Parent, Scientist, Student

Shameka Williams is an Atlanta native and highly accomplished educator with over 20 years of experience in education, K-12 STEM/STEAM outreach, and grant-funded programs. She spent several years during her undergraduate and graduate studies working for the Georgia State University Bio-Bus Program, designing and teaching hands-on science modules to K-12 students throughout Georgia. It was during this time that she discovered her love for education. She previously spent 15 years at Drew Charter School, where she served as the middle and high school Project-Based Learning Coach/Science Instructional Coach, helping Drew become the first and only K-12 STEAM-certified school in Georgia. In 2016, Shameka was one of 30 educators from around the world selected to join the second-ever TED-Ed Innovative Educator cohort. Through her Innovation Project, titled “Taking Project-Based Learning To The Next Level”, she worked with students to create the first-ever “TED-Ed Projects” in collaboration with TED Animators. With her knowledge in PBL, curriculum, and instruction, Shameka collaborated alongside XQ Institute and MIT to reimagine PBL in high school math classrooms. In her current role as the Program Director for School and Community Engagement at Georgia Tech and the Academic Coordinator for the Horizons summer learning program, she leads initiatives that empower teachers and students through innovative STEM and PBL experiences. She has created internship opportunities for high school students to gain invaluable experiences through her programs. Her expertise lies in designing innovative curriculum development, teacher professional development, STEM certifications, and equitable learning opportunities for all students. Her current project centers on Agriculture and Artificial Intelligence, where she is co-designing a curriculum with computer science teachers to support student learning in rural Georgia. Shameka holds a B.S. in Biology and an M.Ed. in Science Education from Georgia State University. She is currently a doctoral student in Science Education at Georgia State University, where she hopes to continue her focus on advancing science, STEM, and Artificial Intelligence initiatives at the educator, leadership, and partnership level. In her spare time, she enjoys playing basketball, attending concerts, dancing, and listening to music with her daughter. With a strong passion for innovation, education, and children, Shameka is a lifelong learner who is dedicated to making an impact in education.

Helping others find their passion. Eliminating the question "why do I need to know this?" The impact of tragedy on kids' lives. Youth development and engagement, coaching, and mentoring. Traveling the world and trying new things!

Rather than celebrating resilience, we should challenge systems and create true institutional support. Teacher professional development is a form of resistance, liberation, and justice in education.

Coaching, Curriculum Development, Innovation, Inquiry-Based Science, Project-based Learning, Science, STEAM, STEM, Strategic Planning, Youth Engagement

In 2014, I discovered TED-Ed Animations. I found myself watching these short videos in amazement. I fell in love and decided I would use TED-Ed animations as a tool for learning in my classroom. Before learning about atoms, I wanted my students to question our universe, planet, and environment. I found an animation titled "What's invisible? More than you think" by John Lloyd. I decided to show my students. For the rest of the year, my students would ask me, "Ms. Williams, what is life?" How powerful is that?

Spoken word poetry and doing imitations of my friends or those close to me (in jest of course!).