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LaWonda Williams’ third grade class at Highlands Elementary School frequently resembles a high-energy concert.

There are chants. Students sing songs, and they repeat answers in unison to Williams’ questions.

Interestingly, Williams teaches English Language Arts Reading (ELAR) and Social Studies.

“I was looking to return to the classroom,” Williams said. “This is where the joy and life of education comes from. I can see the impact and the light-bulb moments up close. I feel like a first year teacher all over again with a new team and a new curriculum.”

In her 24 years working in education, Williams has taught at almost every elementary grade level, with the exception of Pre-K and fourth grade. But in recent years, she’s worked as an assistant principal and instructional coach.

The opportunity to work in Cedar Hill ISD presented her with the chance to return to the classroom.

“My third-grade teacher, Dorothy Harris, asked our class to pick five careers we’d like to do,” Williams said. “I responded with ‘teacher, writer, lawyer, singer, and actress.”

Williams feels as though she encompasses all of those roles in her current position as a classroom teacher. Lawyer may seem less obvious, but she said it fits because she sees herself as “an advocate” for her students.

The high-energy nature of her classroom is no coincidence. Williams, one of 10 siblings, grew up performing in a family band, The Soul Lighters, which traveled to performances in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. She still sings at Freedom Church in Glenn Heights.

All nine of her siblings attended college, but Williams was the first one to graduate from a four-year university. She finished in three years.

Williams was the 1996 Valedictorian at Wilmer-Hutchins High School, and she earned a full academic scholarship to Texas Woman’s University in Denton.

Toward the end of her senior year, Williams learned she would become a mother for the first time. She balanced parenthood with a full schedule of classes as a college freshman, along with working three jobs.

Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in Government with an emphasis in Political Science from TWU and then a master’s degree and principal certification from Concordia University in Education Administration.

Today, Williams and high school sweetheart turned husband, Phillip Williams are the proud parents of three adult children.

“I often see my former students in the community, I’ve been to their weddings and taught their children,” Williams said.