The transition to middle school marks one of the most formative years for students, and for graduating senior Ali Grace Williams, it is exactly where she feels called to serve.
Williams, a double major in secondary education (SEED) and English from Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education and Howard College of Arts and Sciences, will begin her career this fall teaching sixth grade in Birmingham. Originally from St. Simons Island, Georgia, her passion for working with middle school students is rooted in the unique stage of life they are navigating.
“My heart is for secondary students because they’re in a stage of transition into future active members of society, and I’m the one that will help guide them alongside that,” she said.
That sense of purpose began to take shape early. During a mission trip to Atlanta her freshman year of high school, Williams helped lead reading camps for underserved children. The experience not only deepened her love for English but also revealed its potential to impact others in meaningful ways.
“I love the conversations you can have within English,” Williams said. “You’re really able to connect with students about their personal or community assets.”
As she prepares to step into her own classroom, Williams is especially excited to help students discover their voices through writing. She sees sixth grade as a pivotal year, one where foundational skills begin to come together and expectations increase both academically and personally.
“Students learn grammar skills in elementary school and come to middle school to learn how to put everything together,” she said. “Expectations start to rise higher academically but also in the character education aspect as well.”
For Williams, teaching extends beyond content. She is intentional about integrating character development into her lessons, a skill she credits to her experience in the School of Education. Whether through analyzing characters in literature or connecting themes to real-life decisions, she aims to help students grow in both knowledge and character.
“Teaching them character skills such as kindness and empathy along with the academic portion will continue to push them forward,” Williams said.
Throughout her time at Samford, Williams gained extensive classroom experience across multiple school systems including Birmingham City, Homewood City, Vestavia Hills City, Leeds City and Hoover City Schools. These opportunities, combined with strong relationships with faculty and staff, helped prepare her for the realities of the classroom.
“Visiting the School of Education is what sold me on Samford,” she said. “This school provided me with everything I needed to succeed in my future classroom.”
Outside of academics, Williams embraced opportunities to lead and serve. As co-chairman of student activities and events, she found joy in creating meaningful experiences for others and practicing servant leadership. She also served as a resident assistant, building community across campus during all four years.
Looking ahead, Williams hopes to bring that same spirit into her classroom. Whether greeting students at the door each morning or guiding them through new challenges, she is committed to showing up with consistency and care.
If she had to describe herself in one word, it would be “willing.”
“I’m always willing to do anything to get the job done,” she said.
It is that willingness, paired with a clear sense of purpose, that Williams will carry with her as she begins her journey in education, ready to invest in the next generation both inside and outside the classroom.
