“My name is Angela Rhodes Williams, but to most of Perry County I’m known as Ms. Angie. I grew up in Perry County and graduated salutatorian of my class from Perry County High School.
I received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin in Education, a Master of Education degree from Tennessee State University, and a Specialist in Education degree from Middle Tennessee State University.
"I have wanted to be a teacher since I was six years old and played school with my dolls. I began my teaching career in kindergarten at Lobelville School. I then taught fourth grade for nine years and third grade for four years before moving to Linden Elementary School as the Reading Specialist Instructional Coach. I served in that position for four years before becoming part-time Assistant Principal, while continuing with the instructional coach position. I served in that role for three years and then became full-time Assistant Principal for four years. This is my third year as principal at Linden Elementary School and my twenty-eighth year in education.
“I became a teacher to have a positive impact and make a difference in the lives of children. I greet students, parents, faculty, and staff at the back door every morning and afternoon. I get kiddo hugs every day. That’s how you build those relationships. Students work harder for people they like, and ones they believe like them. I try to be diplomatic in difficult situations and avoid upsetting others, if possible. I can’t imagine myself in any other job! I have served on many committees during my years in education including RTI Team, Leadership Team, School Improvement Team, Testing Team, RTI Coordinator, and Family Engagement Coordinator. I also work closely with Save the Children in our community to help meet the needs of the citizens of Perry County. In addition to my experience as an educator in the school system, I have also served as Youth Director at our church since graduating high school. I have planned and organized youth activities such as Vacation Bible School, youth conferences and retreats, youth led worship services, and holiday programs and plays. I also taught the Preschool Sunday School Class for many years before turning these roles over to a young lady that grew up in our youth group when she graduated from college. I continue to play piano and help lead the youth choir in worship services each week.
“I have been married for twenty-five years to my very supportive husband, Steve Williams. He is the calm to my crazy! We were blessed with three sons. Our oldest son would have turned twenty-four this year. He and his girlfriend were hit and killed by a drunk driver two and a half years ago. He helped me understand kids with learning difficulties. He had ADHD and struggled to succeed in school. He also taught me how to understand people who thought differently from me. Our middle son is 21 and is the politest person you could ever meet and did very well in school but needed extra encouragement to build his self-confidence. There are many kids who need this! Our youngest son is eighteen and graduated high school last May. He works well with his hands but didn’t like school. He has taken apart and fixed his four wheelers since he was a kid and now does the same with his vehicles. He taught me how to help kids that march to their own drum.
“Over the years, I have learned to lean on God for my strength. I’ve learned that time goes by too quickly, family time is essential, and your circle of friends that become family keep you sane and grounded through the craziness of this life. I’m not sure why I was nominated for woman of the year, but I’m certain that it probably results from the things I learned from the strong women in our family, our church, and throughout my life. I have faced many trials and struggles, but all of them have helped me learn to rely on God for my next step, which helped me become the woman I am today...and for that I am grateful!”
