In 49 years of teaching, retiring chemistry teacher Janet Williams has created a community among students and teachers. From teaching mathematics and the sciences, Williams has experienced working with both adults and teens daily for a while, but teaching was not Williams’ original choice.
Before her career as a teacher, Williams was a lab chemist. She switched to teaching due to feeling “quite isolated” as she enjoys being around other people. A church camp counselor job prompted Williams to consider teaching as a long-term job. She states that “before Blake, I had moved every three to four years” due to her constant need for change. When she came in the fall of 1995 with previous experience in teaching both algebra and chemistry, Williams found a place to thrive. “I came here and just saw people who just love teaching,” Williams stated, “my colleagues have been so important to me.”
Williams taught biology and math in the school but mainly stuck to chemistry. One of her favorite things about teaching at the Upper School is the pleasantness of the students. Williams states that “students at Blake have been genuinely nice,” standing stands out to her among other institutions.
Williams will greatly miss the free lunch. As staff members and students get the lunch room’s various options, it is easy to grab something to eat. Williams expresses that she “need[s] a schedule” and that lunch will be much harder without the time frame the cafeteria gives and the great food the chefs provide.
Emma Connor ‘25 recounted the time she had Williams as a science teacher, recalling how she “loved how supportive [Williams] was and she always went the extra mile to give an encouraging word” to her students.
Zellie Olson ‘25 stated, “Even if you didn’t tell [Williams] she always knew what the accomplishments of her students were,” outside of the classroom which made a huge impact on students’ time within Williams’ classes. “Everyone felt like that room was their home ‘cause she made it a home” Olson stated fondly.
In the future, Williams stated that she “might come back to do some substituting” and will attend “some soccer games or hockey games.” She will travel more with her increased free time and already scheduled a trip to visit Morocco this coming November.
