Forest Park MS Academic Dean inspires growth daily
By Joycelyne Fadojutimi
From the early days of her career, Lakeisha Williams knew education was more than lessons and tests—it was about shaping opportunities. With a B.S. in Business Administration from Wiley College and a master’s in educational leadership from Lamar University, she built a foundation rooted in both practical skills and visionary leadership. Certified to teach Mathematics (Grades 4–8) and Secondary Business Administration (Grades 6–12). In addition, holding a Texas Principal Certificate for grades EC–12, she has walked every step of the educational ladder: from classroom teacher to lead teacher, math instructional specialist, assistant principal, and now Academic Dean and IB Coordinator.
At Forest Park Middle School, Williams thrives on collaboration and growth. Her guiding philosophy centers on instructional coaching, creating a culture where teachers learn from one another, observe without judgment, and refine their craft daily. She champions differentiation, ensuring that every learner, from English Language Learners to students with IEPs or 504 plans, receives strategies tailored to their needs.
Supporting teachers is hands-on. She models lessons, co-plans, and analyzes student work side by side with educators, nurturing a consistent, high-quality approach to instruction across the school. Furthermore, assessment goes beyond standardized tests. Formative tools, exit tickets, benchmark data, and student work guide every instructional decision. Importantly, struggling students are never overlooked. At Forest Park, early identification systems, responsive interventions, and professional learning teams work together to meet students exactly where they are.
Her passion for the school extends beyond academics. She loves “The Park” for its sense of community and shared commitment to student success. “Teachers, staff, and leaders genuinely care, and there is a collective belief that every child can grow,” Williams said. “Social-emotional learning is woven into this culture: classrooms foster belonging, resilience, and student voice, making learning both rigorous and human-centered.”
Collaboration is at the heart of Williams’ role. Together with the principal, she shapes the school’s academic vision and drives curriculum development. With counselors, she ensures that academic interventions, course planning, and social-emotional support align seamlessly. Moreover, support staff are partners in co-planning and data analysis, ensuring interventions and instruction are consistent and effective.
The challenges are real at “The Park.” Unfinished learning and a broad spectrum of readiness levels demand intentional differentiation and agile instructional systems. Yet she sees these challenges as opportunities—moments to inspire both teachers and students to reach higher. For Williams, a successful Academic Dean balances deep knowledge of teaching practices with the ability to coach, adjust, and cultivate a positive school culture, all while keeping student growth at the center.
At Forest Park Middle School, every lesson, every conversation, and every initiative reflects one unwavering belief: when educators are supported and students are seen, the extraordinary becomes possible.
