North Carolina Teacher Recognized for ‘Passion’ She Has for History
NHA Communications TeamNHA Communications Team
Articles by NHA Communications Team
A teacher with a passion is a powerful force, and Wake Forest Charter Academy Science and Social Studies Teacher Simonae Williams continues to prove her educational strengths.
Williams is being recognized with the North Carolina Council of Social Studies American Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Excellence in Teaching Award for the 2024-25 school year. She recently attended an event to honor her and other award recipients.
"It's truly an honor to receive this award as it is from the North Carolina Council for Social Studies,” Williams said. “It's incredibly meaningful to know that my colleagues appreciate the work I'm doing in and outside of my classroom. This isn't just a subject matter for me; it's a passion.”
Last school year Williams was honored as one of just 17 educators throughout North Carolina as an inaugural America 250 NC Freedom Fellow. The group of teachers took part in a professional development initiative for K-12 educators marking the approaching 250th anniversary in 2026 of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
This award is separate from the NC Freedom Fellow program, but the directors of that program appreciated Williams’ work ethic and contributions so much, they asked her to speak at a conference about the Rosenwald schools program and present her teacher toolkit. They nominated her for the award in recognition of that work.
The Rosenwald schools building program was funded by philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, who partnered with African American educator Booker T. Washington to open thousands of schools for black students in 15 states in the early 1900s.
“Students understanding their role as productive citizens in society is critical,” Williams said. “The projects I create give students a tangible connection to the past as it informs their present. It reveals how past struggles for equality continue to shape present-day realities and empowers students to critically examine lingering injustices.”
Williams crafts meaningful lessons for students to truly engage in as they take on complex issues. They develop their own critical thinking skills and sense of agency within the narratives.
“That’s the real reward,” she said. “This award is just the icing on the cake, and it inspires me to continue striving to make a difference in the lives of my students and local community."
Congratulations, Mrs. Williams!
About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA®) is a network of more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
Williams is being recognized with the North Carolina Council of Social Studies American Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Excellence in Teaching Award for the 2024-25 school year. She recently attended an event to honor her and other award recipients.
"It's truly an honor to receive this award as it is from the North Carolina Council for Social Studies,” Williams said. “It's incredibly meaningful to know that my colleagues appreciate the work I'm doing in and outside of my classroom. This isn't just a subject matter for me; it's a passion.”
Last school year Williams was honored as one of just 17 educators throughout North Carolina as an inaugural America 250 NC Freedom Fellow. The group of teachers took part in a professional development initiative for K-12 educators marking the approaching 250th anniversary in 2026 of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
This award is separate from the NC Freedom Fellow program, but the directors of that program appreciated Williams’ work ethic and contributions so much, they asked her to speak at a conference about the Rosenwald schools program and present her teacher toolkit. They nominated her for the award in recognition of that work.
The Rosenwald schools building program was funded by philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, who partnered with African American educator Booker T. Washington to open thousands of schools for black students in 15 states in the early 1900s.
“Students understanding their role as productive citizens in society is critical,” Williams said. “The projects I create give students a tangible connection to the past as it informs their present. It reveals how past struggles for equality continue to shape present-day realities and empowers students to critically examine lingering injustices.”
Williams crafts meaningful lessons for students to truly engage in as they take on complex issues. They develop their own critical thinking skills and sense of agency within the narratives.
“That’s the real reward,” she said. “This award is just the icing on the cake, and it inspires me to continue striving to make a difference in the lives of my students and local community."
Congratulations, Mrs. Williams!
About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA®) is a network of more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.