UNIVERSITY CITY HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUCTOR NAMED 2008-2009 MISSOURI TEACHER OF THE YEAR
by Rich Miller
August 28, 2008
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Margaret Williams is a 37-year educational veteran who has inspired hundreds of students throughout her 18 years as a Social Studies teacher at UCity High.
ST. LOUIS, August 28, 2008 – Last Thursday, University City High School (UCHS) teacher Margaret Williams learned during a surprise intercom announcement that she was one of six finalists in the 2008-2009 Missouri Teacher of the Year competition.
Today, in another surprise announcement, this time during an all school assembly that included her family, students, coworkers, district administrators and city officials, Williams learned that she was selected as the state’s top teacher.
“She is the epitome of a teacher,” said Joylynn L. Wilson, superintendent of the School District of University City. “She is passionate about her work and has a way of motivating kids so that they want to achieve.”
“She is more than deserving of this honor,” added Wilson.
Williams is a 37-year veteran educator. For the past 18 years she has taught Honors U.S. Government, U.S. History, World History, and the African American Experience to students at UCHS. She is also the social studies department chairman and coach of the school’s award-winning Mock Trial Team. Williams earned a BS degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a Masters degree from Webster University.
“Margaret is an outstanding teacher and asset to University City High School,” said Christopher Blumenhorst, UCHS interim principal. “She engages her students in their critical thinking process, challenges them to give their very best in the classroom and seeks exciting ways to put history in its proper perspective for the 21st century.
Prior to joining the UCHS staff, Williams worked for four years, from 1986-1990 as a principal and executive administrator at the West Side Christian Academy in St. Louis. She has also held teaching positions from 1971-1986 in the St. Louis Public Schools at both the Visual and Performing Arts High School and Beaumont High School.
Williams is a member of the National Education Association and the National Council for Social Studies. She is currently the School District of University City’s 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year and has won several local and national teaching honors.
Williams, along with Mariah Spanglet, a Special School District (SSD) of St. Louis County teacher assigned to Flynn Park Elementary School within the School District of University City School District, were the only St. Louis area candidates who were among the six finalists in the Missouri Teacher of the Year competition.
As the 2008-2009 Missouri Teacher of Year winner, Williams automatically becomes a candidate in the National Teacher of the Year program. She will be honored on November 19 during a special recognition banquet that will be held in Jefferson City.
