Moberly, MO – May 20, 2024 – Mr. Ray Williams has been selected as the new Moberly Middle School principal. Mr. Williams will assume his new role with the Moberly School District later this summer when Mr. Wes Land assumes his new position as high school principal in Macon, MO.
Before serving in his current role as assistant principal of Moberly High School, Mr. Williams was a classroom teacher for a decade. First a social studies teacher at William Chrisman High School, Mr. Williams later taught at Blue Springs Freshman Center and Lee’s Summit North High School. Mr. Williams was assistant wrestling coach at each of these high schools. Mr. Williams also served in several leadership roles while he was a teacher. He was Missouri State Teachers’ Association (MSTA) and Community Educators’ Association (CEA) representatives at Blue Springs School District, Building Level Diversity Leader, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes Treasurer, also at Blue Springs.
An author and presenter, Mr. Williams co-wrote, “What does the movie 42 got to do, got to do with it?: Using RCID model in a psychology classroom,” a publication in the Oregon Journal of Social Studies; “Do You Got Game? Gamifying Your Classroom,” a presentation at Missouri Council for the Social Studies; “RCID: Culturally Responsive Teaching with Film,” a presentation at Missouri Council for the Social Studies; “You Mean I Have to Go to School,” a presentation at Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals; and “Teaching RCID using the film Malcolm X,” a national webinar for the National Council for the Social Studies. Mr. Williams was awarded "Outstanding Beginning Teacher" from the Missouri Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.
When asked about his new position, Mr. Williams shared, “Collaborating with a great team at Moberly Middle School is an exciting new opportunity, and I am dedicated to continuing to grow student success in the middle grades. In partnership with Mrs. Nicole Roark, assistant principal, I look forward to bringing commitment, authenticity, and genuine enthusiasm for leading Moberly’s continued drive towards being a premiere school district in the state of Missouri.”
Superintendent Cristina Wright added, “Mr. Williams has a background in education and leadership from suburban and rural school districts that will benefit the students and staff at Moberly Middle School and across the district. He has successfully served as an assistant principal at Moberly High School, and his role as district Safety Coordinator will continue to enhance safety and security for our district. I know his experience and passion for the success of our middle school, combined with the strength of our building staff, will help guide our middle school students and staff to the bright future they deserve.”
Mr. Williams and his wife, Kayla, are proud parents of their son, Holland, and are expecting their second child later this summer. They love spending their free time with family and friends, watching movies, and being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and camping. Moberly School District is proud to welcome Mr. Williams to this new position.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact Superintendent Cristina Wright at cristinawright@moberlyspartans.org.