LEE COUNTY, S.C. — "It says dream big and work hard. So, she was trying to help us get bigger, and dream big so we can get our future up," said Ziyonna, a student at Lee Central Middle School.
As you step into the 6th grade English Language Arts (ELA) classroom at Lee Central Middle School, you'll find Jalisa Williams. For the last 10 years, Williams has been inspiring her students to dream big and work hard.
"She's a very nice teacher. I like her. She's good. She does very good with students," Ziyonna said.
It's not just her current students that's she's impacted. She has also touched the lives of her former students like Annastasia.
"She was always hard working and inspiring me anytime I needed help. She was there to help me," Annastasia said.
Annastasia, a senior at Lee Central High School, nominated her former educator to be News 19 Teacher of the Week.
"She always makes us work. She believes in me. Like when I'm frustrated, she always picks me up and tells me I can do it," Annastasia said.
"I'm filled with emotion. It makes me really happy that I was able to have an impact on her [Annastasia]. That's part of why I do what I do. And I'm hopeful that I'm able to encourage more as I continue my teaching career," Williams said.
Born in Lee County, Williams was inspired to teach by her family members, who are also educators.
"My aunt is actually now a principal. She kind of pushed me into education," Williams said.
After graduating from USC Upstate and getting her Masters and Specialists Degrees at Grand Canyon and Walden, Williams taught one year in the high school level before teaching middle school ELA.
Now, she's teaching at the same school she attended.
"I've always had a love for reading and writing, so I knew that's what I wanted to teach," Williams said.
You can also find Williams as the head volleyball coach and assistant basketball coach.
As the high school volleyball coach, she's led the Lady Stallions to their first region title in the program's history.
"You can do anything you put your mind to. Just keep working hard and stay true to yourself. Be a light," Williams said.
"I love you, Coach Williams," Annastasia exclaimed.
If you know a teacher like Ms. Williams who deserves to be recognized for their hard work in the classroom, you can nominate them by emailing us at tow@WLTX.COM. Tell us what that educator is doing every day to go above and beyond in the classroom.