"The soul that is within me no man (or woman) can degrade." (Frederick A. Douglass)
Teresa Williams is an Oakland native. Her parents were in the Black Panther Party from 1968 to 1978. Her primary education was at the Samuel Napier Youth Institute (later renamed the Oakland Community School), a Black Panther Party primary school. She attended Bret Hart Jr. High, Frick Jr. High, James Madison Jr. High, and Elmhurst Jr. High before transferring to and graduating 13th of 406 students from Castlemont High School in 1983.
She has worked as a Geophysicist for the U. S. Geological Survey, Neighborhood Services Coordinator for the Oakland Police Department, Educational Consultant for the Oakland Unified School District, and Board Member for the Chabot Space and Science Center.
She has more than 15-years teaching experience at the public high school, community college, state university and private university levels. In particular, she has worked as an instructor of Earth Science for Merritt College and College of Alameda, California State University, East Bay, and the University of Phoenix. She has recently been promoted to Faculty Diversity Training Coordinator for the Peralta CommunityCollege District. In addition, she has 20-years experience in public speaking and workshop development in the areas of education and personal growth, and 12-years experience as an educational trainer and consultant.
She is studying the unique challenges that students of African descent encounter in Eurocentric classrooms, and she has traveled to and observed educational practices in Senegal, Ghana, and Jamaica.
She has presented her research at several national and international conferences, including:
Curriculum Vitae
Professional Objective
To increase student retention by making classrooms places of learning and psychological healing for students and faculty.
Teaching Experience
1995-Present Earth Science (Geology and Geography) Instructor
2001-2002 Teaching Associate, California State University East Bay, Hayward, CA
Winter 2001 Geology Instructor, California State University East Bay, Hayward, CA
2011 Certificate as a Developmental Educational Specialist
2010 Certificate in Emotional Intelligence
2009 Kellogg Institute Alum
2007 Nonviolent Conflict Resolution
2006 Digital Bridge Academy Trainer
1998-Present Professional Development Trainer and Speaker
Education
Masters Degree in Physical Geography
Masters Degree in Geophysics
Bachelors Degree in Geology with Minor in Mathematics
Hobbies
I enjoy reading science fiction and spiritual books, watching “really bad” science fiction movies, knitting, biking, walking, sailing, and playing the piano.
"The soul that is within me no man (or woman) can degrade." (Frederick A. Douglass)