Williams excited to join PR Junior High
(Courtesy photo) Amber Williams, center, poses with her family. Williams was recently named as principal at Priest River Junior High School, a post she will take up at the start of the upcoming school year.
Amber Williams is excited to join Priest River Junior High School as its principal next year.
Williams said she will be a visible sight in the school’s hallways and classrooms as well as at special events. She has found, she said, being a visible leader is the best way to stay informed and involved in the everyday occurrences of a school.
“It is an honor to introduce myself as the new principal of Priest River Junior High School and to join a team devoted to the success of student learning,” she said in an email to the Daily Bee. “I am committed to using positive leadership that fosters potential in others by empowering and inspiring every member of our school staff into places of continual excellence as educators, parent-partners, community-based partners, and life-long learners.”
She plans to work with PRJH teachers to ensure students are exposed to curriculum and instruction that is both engaging and challenging. In addition, an open-door policy will be in effect and she said she welcomes input and ideas.
“I am excited and eager to bring my skills as an educational leader to PRJH and work with all stakeholders as a partner to ensure students reach their goals,” she said. “One of the most important aspects of my work at PRJH will be building strong relationships with students, teachers, and families.”
A teacher at Sagle Elementary, Williams graduated from Lewis and Clark State College in 2005 with a bachelor of science in education and social science. In 2010, she returned to college and graduated in 2012 with a master’s degree in elementary education. She began working in Lake Pend Oreille School District in September 2012 as a life skills paraprofessional at Sandpoint High School and, the following school year, she was hired as a sixth-grade teacher.
“I was blessed to begin my teaching career under the mentorship of an extremely intelligent and innovative teaching partner at Sagle Elementary School,” she said.
Williams taught sixth grade for two years before transferring to a second grade class, also at Sagle Elementary. In 2015, she resumed her education, while continuing to teach, and graduated in 2017 with an education specialty degree in building administration.
A fourth-generation Sagle resident, Williams has deep community roots in Bonner County.
“I am fortunate to have a large circle of family and friends who have given me the support, strength, and encouragement to believe in myself and focus on the important things in life,” she said.
She and her husband have been married for 16 years and have two children — a 12-year-old son and an 8-year-old daughter. Additionally, they have two dogs who are dearly loved and are considered to be members of the family.
Outside of school, Williams said she enjoys spending time on the lake with her family, swimming, camping, and watching sports.
She is, Williams said, excited for the start of the next school year.
“I look forward to the 2019-2020 school year of building relationships and establishing a belief that every day is a new opportunity,” she added.