Veteran, leading educator and 88-year-old Caldwell Williams revolutionized group therapy in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) at a time when it was finally mandatory to hire Black teachers in LA County. Join hosts Nicole Franklin and Bryant Monteilh for this important lesson.
The LAUSD has been blessed with numerous dedicated educators, one of whom is Caldwell Williams. Mr. Williams was referred to Before You Go hosts Nicole Franklin and Bryant Monteilh by a listener and fellow veteran friend of his, Farron Dozier, who considers Mr. Williams a mentor. We quickly learn why.
This 88-year-old educator and mental health expert is very sharp as he carefully recounts his detailed journey through several teaching assignments as a Black male educator in the public schools of Los Angeles. His work--and success--with the "troublemakers" in the classroom quickly lead him to the role of guidance counselor where his students sought out the "cool former athlete" to help make it through the day. It worked. Students excelled, and their confidence soared. Soon adults requested Mr. Williams' meditation and counseling sessions and, as a former veteran, Mr. Williams recognized how he could get through to those military men and women who had closed themselves off after a tough tour of duty.
An episode with Mr. Williams taught us lessons everyone can use for a lifetime.
Before You Go: Lessons in the LAUSD first aired on KBLA Talk 1580 in Los Angeles.