Biography
Dr. Deirdre Williams is an expert educator, consultant, published author, and entrepreneur with more than twenty years of combined experience in K–12 and higher education. She holds a Doctor of Education, an Education Specialist degree, a Master’s in Education, a Master of Arts in International Relations, and a Bachelor of Social Work, and is certified in Mid‑Management Administration, Elementary Self‑Contained Education, and Generic Special Education.
Dr. Williams has served in multiple leadership roles, including Director of Special Education, Program Manager, Compliance Specialist, and both General and Special Education Teacher. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Practice and Director of Teacher Residency at Texas State University, where she leads innovative educator‑preparation initiatives and strengthens university–district partnerships. She has also taught as adjunct faculty at Trinity Washington University, New Mexico State University, and American University in Washington, D.C.
Her career includes significant district‑level accomplishments, including managing the launch of Project SEARCH for DC Public Schools in partnership with the U.S. Departments of Education, Labor, and Health and Human Services. As a director, she established a comprehensive Autism program, expanded specialized instructional services, and created a district program that enabled students who were deaf or hard of hearing to be educated within their home community.
An accomplished entrepreneur, Dr. Williams is the founder of Books by Deirdre, Girls Destined 4 Greatness, and Through Our Eyes, LLC, where she leads consulting, youth development, and literary initiatives.
Dr. Williams is a 2021 Fulbright Scholar and a member of the Leadership Women America Class of 2021. She has presented nationally and internationally, including the TXST AI in Teaching and Learning Symposium, the National Association for Multicultural Education, the International Conference on Urban Education, the Division of International Special Education and Services Global Summit, and the International Association of Special Education Biennial Conference. Her leadership has been recognized by the Texas A&M University College of Education and Human Development Dean’s Roundtable, and she has been featured as a guest author and speaker across educational, community, and media platforms.
Dr. Williams has served in multiple leadership roles, including Director of Special Education, Program Manager, Compliance Specialist, and both General and Special Education Teacher. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Practice and Director of Teacher Residency at Texas State University, where she leads innovative educator‑preparation initiatives and strengthens university–district partnerships. She has also taught as adjunct faculty at Trinity Washington University, New Mexico State University, and American University in Washington, D.C.
Her career includes significant district‑level accomplishments, including managing the launch of Project SEARCH for DC Public Schools in partnership with the U.S. Departments of Education, Labor, and Health and Human Services. As a director, she established a comprehensive Autism program, expanded specialized instructional services, and created a district program that enabled students who were deaf or hard of hearing to be educated within their home community.
An accomplished entrepreneur, Dr. Williams is the founder of Books by Deirdre, Girls Destined 4 Greatness, and Through Our Eyes, LLC, where she leads consulting, youth development, and literary initiatives.
Dr. Williams is a 2021 Fulbright Scholar and a member of the Leadership Women America Class of 2021. She has presented nationally and internationally, including the TXST AI in Teaching and Learning Symposium, the National Association for Multicultural Education, the International Conference on Urban Education, the Division of International Special Education and Services Global Summit, and the International Association of Special Education Biennial Conference. Her leadership has been recognized by the Texas A&M University College of Education and Human Development Dean’s Roundtable, and she has been featured as a guest author and speaker across educational, community, and media platforms.
Research Interests
Mental Health, Diversity in Education, and Minority Women in Business
Teaching Interests
Special Education and Critical Issues in Education