Joe Williams: Advancement and Refinement of Men for Society Academy, Morningside Middle School

Age: 36.

Experience: 11 years in education, four years in military.

Education: B.S., biology and general science, South Carolina State University; M.A., counselor education, S.C. State University; Ph.D. educational leadership and supervision, University of Southern Mississippi.

Why I wanted to go into education: Originally, I was going to pharmacy school but graduated in December. Pharmacy school did not start until May, so I decided to teach until that time. I got my first class of students and fell in love with teaching. I never looked back.

Something I've always wanted to learn: I would love to be fluent in Spanish.

Something important that life has taught me: Never give up no matter how tough things get. There is always light at the end if you just keep pushing.

Something most people don't know about me: I was a medic and EMT-certified in the Army. I also received my Air Assault badge, which basically means I rappeled from helicopters.

Something my mother always tells me: My mother always tells me I am her hero, and she doesn't know how much this gives me the courage to keep going even when times are tough.

Fond childhood memory: My grandmother buying me a stereo because she knew I loved music and my parents could not afford one for me. I would always try to play my uncle's, but he would yell at me when I did. My grandmother bought me my own and said I never had to touch his again. I will never forget that.

A specific goal FOR this first year: To have all students reading on grade level.

Contact info: ARMS Academy at Morningside Middle School, 1999 Singley Lane, North Charleston, SC 29405-5014, Joseph_Williams@charleston.k12.sc.us., 745-2000.