By Emily Burleigh

Louisiana native Desiree Williams found fulfillment in her career after shifting her life to become a teacher.

Williams is originally from Baton Rouge. She moved to Lake Charles eight years ago, around the same time she began to teach.

“I began my teaching journey in 2015,” she said. “When I decided to make the transition in my career, I was working for the Department of Children and Family Services in the legal department. At that time, I did not have a sense of fulfillment in the work I was doing, so I decided to try teaching.”

Williams said becoming a teacher is one of the best decisions she’s made because education has unlocked a passion within her.

For Williams, the transition was easy.

“Being a parent myself, as well as a cheer sponsor, I had the experience working with young children,” she said. “I was ready to make a change in my career.”

Williams teaches second grade at Henry Heights Elementary, and has previously taught at J.D. Clifton and John F. Kennedy Elementary schools.

She received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sociology from Southern University in Baton Rouge. To become an educator, she took the alternative certification path from McNeese State University.

“I enjoy the moments when my students can regurgitate back to me what I have taught to them,” she said. “It makes my heart smile when I see the excitement they have when they have reached goals that they have set for themselves.

“Do what you love, love what you do,” she explained when discussing her educator’s philosophy. “This profession is not for the weak or faint-hearted. There will be challenges and many changes, but through it all we must remember the ‘why’, and that is the innocent smiling faces we encounter on a daily basis.”

She believes that teachers are the catalyst for all future, functional citizens. “Education helps the community because educators are the ones that help shape and mold citizens of the future. They provide the necessary skills and tools for students to be productive adults and life-long contributors to the community.”

Williams wants to tell new teachers to go into teaching with an open mind.

“Don’t believe the clichés you hear about the field of education,” she said. “It is, and can be, a worthwhile profession. You are the difference maker.”

The advice she offers teachers is to always remember why they chose the profession. “Although times may get hard and frustration may kick in, stick with it and continue to persevere through adversities. There is a reward in every moment whether it be big or small.”

Williams is spending the beginning of her summer teaching summer school. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her friends and family, especially her 22-year-old daughter, Skylar. Williams also likes to do community work, travel, and indulge in her hobbies: cooking, shopping and crafting.