Crystal Williams, the esteemed Dance Teacher at Oak Hill Middle School, has been named Oak Hill Middle's Teacher of the Year for the 2023-2024 academic year. Her remarkable journey into the world of dance education and her incredible commitment to fostering creativity, self-confidence, and personal growth among her students make her a shining example of Baldwin County's dedication to the arts in education.
Upon hearing the news of her selection as Teacher of the Year, Williams was initially in disbelief. "I always thought Teachers of the Year would be math teachers, science teachers, and so on. Never an exploratory teacher!" However, she firmly believes in the profound impact of dance on her students' lives. For Williams, dance is not just an art form but a tool to connect with students, nurture their talents, and watch them flourish. "Many people don't understand how important the arts is to education," she said, "it helps the student learn, helps them grow, builds confidence, tenacity, keeps them going."
Williams embarked on her dance journey at the age of four and went on to pursue a career as a professional dancer, traveling the world and performing on renowned stages, including Broadway. It was during her tenure at Camden County High School in Camden County, Georgia, that she discovered the profound impact she could have on students by sharing her love for dance and helping them build self-confidence and tenacity.
Her transition to Baldwin County was serendipitous. Faced with the discontinuation of the dance program in Greene County, Williams received a call from Baldwin County, offering her an opportunity to continue her teaching career in a thriving environment. Her passion for the arts and belief in the transformative power of dance aligned perfectly with Baldwin County's commitment to fostering creativity across all disciplines. "There is nothing like Baldwin County and fine arts. They invest in the fine arts, in every medium of every discipline. You've got it all here; film and production, audio/ visual, musical theater, drama, chorus. What's not to love? We've doubled the size of our staff!"
As an outsider to Baldwin County, Williams brings a fresh perspective to the community's dedication to the arts. She highlights the importance of arts education in developing well-rounded individuals, fostering discipline, and providing students with alternative avenues for personal and professional growth while acknowledging the tireless efforts of the county's administration, including the superintendent, in supporting the arts and empowering educators to make magic happen in their classrooms.
Williams modestly attributed her Teacher of the Year win to her dedication to her students' growth and her willingness to provide them with unique opportunities. "We were actually preparing for a show," she said of the day of the announcement, "and I was deep in it when I got called to the office. I said, 'okay, I can't come to the office right now, but I'll go.' And lo and behold, what I saw was the principal walking out with roses! I just headed for the door and said, 'this can't be real!' It was almost scary. And it wasn't scary. It was so nice!" Through her heavy involvement in dance competitions, dance honor societies, and even performances OHMS's first performance of "The Nutcracker," she has expanded her students' horizons and allowed them to experience the world of dance in a profound way.
Williams' formal education includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance and Dance Performance from Jacksonville University. She also received invaluable training and experience from the internationally renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem. Her background as a professional dancer and educator has equipped her with the knowledge and passion to inspire her students.
In her role as Teacher of the Year, Williams aims to continue nurturing her students' creativity and self-confidence while advocating for the importance of arts education in Baldwin County. Her journey from Jacksonville, Florida, to New York City, and ultimately to Georgia, has not only enriched her own life but also left an indelible mark on the artistic spirit of Baldwin County's educational community.
Crystal Williams, with her exceptional dedication to dance education and her unwavering support for the arts, serves as a shining example of the Baldwin County pride in fostering creativity and nurturing the growth of its students.
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