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Leif Williams
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Bio
Leif Williams has a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and Geology from Bowdoin College in Maine. He earned his Masters in Teaching ESL from The School of International Training in Vermont. Lief is also a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) who served in cross cultural language training in Cameroon. In 2020-2022 he was a part of the DELAC Digital Leadership Academy hosted by OTAN.
Leif first started in Adult Education at Mt Diablo Adult Education in 1999 as an evening ESL teacher at the same time he was subbing in the High School Diploma program at Martinez Adult Education. In 2001 Leif became the morning ESL teacher at Martinez and continued as the evening ESL teacher at Mt Diablo. In 2002 he became the EL Civics Program manager and in 2007 he became the ESL Department Coordinator with Martinez Adult Education. With his leadership roles he still maintains teaching morning and evening classes to ESL students. Additionally, he has been the Chief Examiner for the HiSET testing center at the school since 2018, the CASAS eTesting Coordinator, the WIOA Title II Coordinator, and has served as the CATESOL Treasurer.
Since 1987, Leif has been helping students literally all over the world improve their English. He has taught English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to all ages in four countries outside of the US: China, Mexico, Thailand and Turkey. Leif's greatest accomplishments in his own words are “Helping ESL students to realize goals and supporting them in achieving their desired outcomes.” Whether it is finding a job, enrolling in a career training program or taking college classes Leif is there to help them and encourage them along their journey. One student in particular stands out. She came to this country and did not speak a word of English; she made it through all the ESL levels, Mr. Williams being one of her primary teachers. She went on to pass the HiSET and receive her High School Equivalency, took computer and business class and ended up being hired with the school district at Martinez Adult Education. Fast forward today she works in the ESL department supporting students enrolling in ESL, she still refers to Leif as Mr. Williams. Leif never forgets to celebrate the students' accomplishments and there is always a celebration in his classroom. He believes creating a sense of community in the classroom is a key to success for his students and it certainly shows.
Everything Leif has done in his career has significantly impacted his students in a positive way and he has literally helped hundreds, probably even in the thousands in his over 21 years in Adult Education. His ability to work with students and help them realize their potential to achieve their goals and recognize what they need to do to accomplish their goals is what he strives to do. His classroom is always a buzz of activities and he arranges for guest speakers to come to his classroom to speak to his students. He works tirelessly to support the school and students and he is never absent and is always willing to help.
Leif Williams has a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and Geology from Bowdoin College in Maine. He earned his Masters in Teaching ESL from The School of International Training in Vermont. Lief is also a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) who served in cross cultural language training in Cameroon. In 2020-2022 he was a part of the DELAC Digital Leadership Academy hosted by OTAN.
Leif first started in Adult Education at Mt Diablo Adult Education in 1999 as an evening ESL teacher at the same time he was subbing in the High School Diploma program at Martinez Adult Education. In 2001 Leif became the morning ESL teacher at Martinez and continued as the evening ESL teacher at Mt Diablo. In 2002 he became the EL Civics Program manager and in 2007 he became the ESL Department Coordinator with Martinez Adult Education. With his leadership roles he still maintains teaching morning and evening classes to ESL students. Additionally, he has been the Chief Examiner for the HiSET testing center at the school since 2018, the CASAS eTesting Coordinator, the WIOA Title II Coordinator, and has served as the CATESOL Treasurer.
Since 1987, Leif has been helping students literally all over the world improve their English. He has taught English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to all ages in four countries outside of the US: China, Mexico, Thailand and Turkey. Leif's greatest accomplishments in his own words are “Helping ESL students to realize goals and supporting them in achieving their desired outcomes.” Whether it is finding a job, enrolling in a career training program or taking college classes Leif is there to help them and encourage them along their journey. One student in particular stands out. She came to this country and did not speak a word of English; she made it through all the ESL levels, Mr. Williams being one of her primary teachers. She went on to pass the HiSET and receive her High School Equivalency, took computer and business class and ended up being hired with the school district at Martinez Adult Education. Fast forward today she works in the ESL department supporting students enrolling in ESL, she still refers to Leif as Mr. Williams. Leif never forgets to celebrate the students' accomplishments and there is always a celebration in his classroom. He believes creating a sense of community in the classroom is a key to success for his students and it certainly shows.
Everything Leif has done in his career has significantly impacted his students in a positive way and he has literally helped hundreds, probably even in the thousands in his over 21 years in Adult Education. His ability to work with students and help them realize their potential to achieve their goals and recognize what they need to do to accomplish their goals is what he strives to do. His classroom is always a buzz of activities and he arranges for guest speakers to come to his classroom to speak to his students. He works tirelessly to support the school and students and he is never absent and is always willing to help.
