When it comes to standing in the spotlight, Linda Williams, Director of Title I and Special Student Services for Portage Township Schools, prefers to let someone else shine.
“To tell you the truth, I don’t really like being in the spotlight, myself,” Williams said. “I like being on the other side of things, the behind-the-scenes aspects.”
As someone whose job is to help ensure that students receive the resources they need to succeed, Williams’s selfless nature proves that she is just the right type of person for her position.
Williams first became professionally involved with Portage Township Schools just over 17 years ago, but she’s lived in the community for over 30 years.
“I love this community—I live right here in Portage,” Williams said. “My husband and I raised our kids here. They’re all grown and living in different places now, but they went through this school system, too.”
With her personal investment in the area and its school system, Williams can focus on exactly what her schools need.
Last year, Williams was among a band of Portage Township administrators and teachers who received the 2017 Digital Learning Grant, sponsored by the Indiana Department of Education. The money was directed toward professional development and advancing teachers’ use of technology in the classroom.
Clearly, Williams is doing something right. Nevertheless, she remains down-to-earth and committed to her causes.
“I never thought I’d be a school administrator!” Williams admitted, referring to the turns her career has taken. “That certainly was a surprise for me, more than anyone.”
Williams studied Elementary Education at Indiana University and Ball State and became a Reading Resource teacher for Portage Township Schools in 2000. She stayed in that position for 9 years, enjoying every minute of her time with the kids. She became Title I Coordinator in 2009, and her role expanded into Director of Title I and Special Student Programs in 2015.
“I’m very passionate about what I do,” Williams said. “I’d still feel happy and blessed to be teaching, though, if I hadn’t moved in the direction I did. Teaching reading is my strength, and I absolutely love working with the kids.”
When she’s not working hard, Williams can be found singing in the Liberty Bible Church choir, spending time with her family, or taking her Great Pyrenees, Max, on adventures.
“He’s 120 pounds of dog, 90 decibels of bark,” Williams laughed.
Max may be a handful, but it’s safe to say Williams can manage.