David Williams
Position: Computer Science Teacher
School: Friendship Technology Preparatory High School
School District: Friendship Public Charter Schools
City, State: Washington, DC
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David Williams was nominated by multiple colleagues.
Mr. Williams is a true LifeChanger! As an educator, innovator, and mentor, he consistently transforms the lives of students and makes meaningful contributions to his school's culture. His dedication to equity, hands-on learning, and real-world opportunities has left a lasting impression on the entire community.
Mr. Williams has a proven track record of making a meaningful difference in the lives of his students. He brings learning to life through rich, experiential opportunities. From guiding students through blacksmithing courses to teaching them the fundamentals of drone piloting, Mr. Williams opens doors that many students didn't even know existed. He connects classroom learning to real-world skills and encourages students to view themselves as creators, builders, and problem solvers.
One of the most potent examples of his leadership is his role in the NASA TechRise Student Challenge. Under his guidance, students designed, built, and tested an experiment that was selected to launch into the stratosphere. The experience provided students with the opportunity to apply STEM skills in a highly authentic context, demonstrating that they belong in scientific and technical fields.
Mr. Williams also supported students in the KnoPro Gaming for All competition, where they utilized creative thinking and technical skills to promote inclusion in the gaming world. He has coached multiple STEM Fair winners and helped several students earn Amazon Cloud Practitioner Certifications, a significant accomplishment for students at the middle school level.
In addition to his work in STEM, Mr. Williams is deeply committed to educational equity. Many of his students have been recognized on the National Honor Roll for Educational Equity, a testament to his conviction that all students deserve access to high-level learning and meaningful opportunities. He consistently goes above and beyond to make sure every student feels seen, supported, and encouraged.
Mr. Williams is also a respected leader in his school and district. He regularly takes the lead on new initiatives, shares best practices with colleagues, and helps shape a school culture that is inclusive, student-centered, and forward-thinking. His classroom is a model for innovative instruction, and his professional excellence is evident in everything he does. Above all, Mr. Williams creates a nurturing atmosphere where students are treated with dignity and held to high expectations. He leads with integrity, empathy, and purpose. His consistent moral and ethical standards provide a strong foundation for both students and staff.
"David Williams doesn't just teach. He inspires, uplifts, and empowers. His impact is lasting and far-reaching. For these reasons, he is unquestionably a LifeChanger in our community," said Phillip Izlar, a colleague.
I am a colleague of Mr. Williams, and I can attest that he plays a significant role in the lives of our scholars. Mr. Williams consistently finds creative ways to keep students engaged—from teaching them how to design and build robots to demonstrating how to pilot drones. His classroom is always filled with excitement and curiosity, as scholars are eager to participate in hands-on learning experiences that connect directly to STEM innovation.
Scholars consistently express their enthusiasm for his class, and it’s evident that Mr. Williams’s dedication, passion, and creativity have a lasting impact on their academic and personal growth.
David Williams is an outstanding educator, a generous colleague, and a natural leader whose influence on students is both lasting and profound. No matter their interests, learning styles, or goals, his teaching resonates with every learner. He has a unique ability to bring lessons to life in ways that are rigorous, relevant, and responsive to individual needs. In his classroom, students experience the rare balance of being intellectually challenged while feeling deeply supported—a combination that fosters both growth and confidence.
Mr. Williams is an excellent educator, passionate about his work and a great influence. Mr. Williams is very deserving of this award.
Through unwavering dedication, inspiring leadership, and a passion for STEM, Mr. Williams ignites curiosity and confidence in every student. By nurturing future engineers and STEM leaders, Mr. Williams is not only shaping bright minds, but also building a stronger, more innovative tomorrow. Thank you for exemplifying excellence and being a powerful, positive influence in education. You are truly amazing and so impactful! I know you have been a change maker in making our students LOVE STEM!
Mr. Williams has been an absolute pleasure to work with. He brings an impressive and diverse skill set—ranging from carpentry, 3D printing, and website design to computer science, board game mastery, and PC gaming. All of this is wrapped up in an intelligent and approachable human being who somehow manages to tell one too many dad jokes. Beyond his talents, Mr. Williams is a caring and passionate teacher whose dedication shines through in everything he does. He’s the kind of colleague who makes both work and learning better for everyone around him.
I cannot think of anyone more deserving than him.
David Williams is an exceptional educator, generous colleague and natural leader.
His impact on students is profound. Regardless of their interests, learning styles, or aspirations, his teaching captures the minds of every learner. He brings lessons to life in ways that are rigorous, relevant, and responsive to student needs. His classroom is a place where students feel intellectually challenged and emotionally supported—a rare and powerful combination.
Beyond his excellence in the classroom, he is a generous contributor to the success of our broader school network. Most recently, he has participated in shaping our district’s emerging approach to using artificial intelligence to support high-quality teaching and learning. He has brought technical expertise, strategic insight, and leadership talent to this effort—helping ensure that innovation is grounded in our commitment to students and educators alike.
What sets him apart is not just his skill, but his heart. He is deeply committed to the growth of his students, his colleagues, and the profession itself. His work exemplifies the spirit of the Life Changer Award, and I can think of no educator more deserving of this recognition.
Mr. David Williams is one of the best teachers I’ve had; always patient, supportive, and passionate about science. He’s made a big impact on my learning and confidence.
David Williams has such a positive impact on his students because his own love for learning is genuine and he knows how to share it. This unique process of turning personal growth into innovative teaching is precisely how he creates such engaging and effective learning experiences. By translating his passions into hands-on curricula, he transforms his classroom into a dynamic lab where complex subjects become accessible, relevant, and exciting for every student.
Mr. Williams was one of the most influential teachers I've ever had. He taught me in middle school, and the impact he made on me has lasted far beyond the classroom. He constantly encouraged and challenged me to create, to innovate, and to think beyond the obvious. He helped spark my love for storytelling and introduced me to new ways of expressing myself—whether through complex games, Python coding, or hands-on projects.
Under his guidance, I learned how to build something meaningful from scraps of wood and cardboard, and how to bring puppets to life by turning them into animatronics. His teaching was never just about the tools—it was about imagination, perseverance, and bringing ideas to life.
Years later, as a theatre student, I still carry Mr. Williams' lessons with me. I often ask myself, "What would Mr. Williams do?" That mindset has helped me to build a dragon puppet entirely from recycled materials and to explore the use of projections in live performance. His creativity and passion continue to inspire me every day.
Mr. Williams is a rare kind of teacher—the kind that doesn’t just teach content, but truly shapes futures.
David Williams is a cornerstone of innovation and equity in our district. As the District-Wide Makerspace Manager, David has transformed how students experience hands-on learning, turning ideas into inventions and classrooms into labs of possibility. Under his leadership, students have not only explored STEM in creative, tangible ways but have also earned scholarships and been selected for prestigious programs across the country. Whether he’s guiding students through a 3D printing activity or teaching them how to smelt metal, David ensures that learning is engaging, inclusive, and empowering. His dedication to expanding access to high-quality, experiential learning is unmatched, and his impact is felt in every corner of our schools.
It's awesome to see David nominated for this award! He was the whole reason I wanted to get into the profession I'm in at the moment and supported me along that journey every step of the way. He was always there to help out those who needed support and crafted some of the most entertaining lessons that kept students engaged and excited about the topics. I couldn't think of anyone more deserving for LifeChanger of the Year!
So great to see Mr. Williams nominated for LifeChanger of the Year. Back at Culford, he was one of the most supportive and passionate teachers I had. His energy and encouragement really helped me grow my interest in computers and he always made learning something to look forward to. A true difference maker and wishing him all the best with the nomination.
David Williams is the gold standard that all educators should aspire to be. His intuitive and clear teaching style not only helps students understand and engage with the material but also builds their confidence in the process. What sets him apart is his unwavering commitment to “seeing” every child—especially those who might otherwise fade into the background. He makes each student feel valued, heard, and capable.
He inspired my children by nurturing their curiosity and creativity in tangible ways—from encouraging their wild ideas for an escape room and helping them build intricate puzzles, to guiding them through the process of designing and 3D printing squirrels. He doesn’t just teach; he empowers students to bring their imaginations to life. That kind of mentorship is rare and transformative.
His support and inspiration extend far beyond academics; he genuinely changes lives. The impact he’s had on his students is immeasurable.
Mr Williams is aspirational when developing STEM projects, has every students best interests at heart, ensuring he inspires and challenges them to do their best and develops a sense of belonging and self-belief in all.
David passionate about learning and teaching other, whether that be in the classroom or outside in daily life.
He is always willing to impart his knowledge, not to make a choice for someone, but to provide them with the tools to make their own choices. With his teaching, he not only looks to make his subjects fun and engaging, but he couple that with real life qualifications to support students in the future.
I have known David Williams for several years from his time teaching at an international elementary school in Thailand. During our time working together there, David consistently demonstrated outstanding character, a wonderful sense of humor, and an unwavering commitment to providing the best education for his students.
His teaching abilities were truly impressive even then. I had the opportunity to observe his classroom in action, and the innovative programs he developed for the children were remarkable. His dedication to creating engaging and effective learning experiences was evident in his students' enthusiasm and progress.
Reading about his current achievements as a Computer Science Teacher at Friendship Technology Preparatory High School in Washington, DC, I'm not surprised to see him nominated as a LifeChanger. His work with the NASA TechRise Student Challenge and his innovative STEM programs reflect the same passion for educational excellence and student empowerment that I witnessed during his time in Thailand.
David has always combined exceptional professionalism with genuine care for his students. Seeing him continue to transform lives and open doors for students in Washington, DC confirms what I observed years ago - he is truly an outstanding educator who makes a lasting impact wherever he teaches.
Dave is just an amazing educator. I was Deputy Head of Boarding at BIST (Bromsgrove International School Thailand).
I saw him day to day. He was constantly at our Boarding checking in with students on their Computer Science Projects. But as a father, I have a special story. My son, Michael, joined his after school activity at BIST. My son is a big guitar player. And Dave ran a guitar- building club. My son - and other students - each built an electric guitar from nothing. With David working alongside and giving advice. It was a life changing experience for my boy. He was in Grade 9. And he has kept that guitar until now. My son is currently doing his PhD in Computer Science at the University of South Carolina. And he still talks about Dave Williams.
David Williams is the epitome of what it means to go above and beyond for his students, his colleagues, and the school community. I've personally witnessed Mr. Williams open doors to extraordinary opportunities in the world of technology: from coding competitions, to gaming and broadcasting seminars, to hands-on training that leaves students both amazed and inspired.
This year, one of our students was accepted into Carnegie Mellon University, one of the nation's top computer science programs, and I have no doubt that David's mentorship and encouragement played a pivotal role in helping that student aim high and achieve such a goal. David Williams isn't just a teacher, he's a launchpad for student potential, helping them soarfbeyond what they thought possible.
Approachable, dependable, and super supportive, Mr. Williams consistently goes out of his way to help others.
Simply put, he's one of the best in the building, and deserves everything.
I was lucky to be one of Mr. Williams’ students during his time at Culford School, and I can say without a doubt: he truly is a LifeChanger. His passion for teaching, his creativity in the classroom, and his genuine care for each individual student left a lasting impression on me. He made learning exciting, relevant, and empowering – and helped me believe in my own potential. It’s no surprise to see him continue to inspire others wherever he goes. He absolutely deserves this recognition.
David Williams is an incredibly inspiring educator, and has been on the cutting edge of using 3D printers in the classroom for years. He engages community and industry leaders to help teach his class about well paid careers that are available when you have 3D printing experience, and contributes back to the 3D printing community by posting his designs for other teachers to utilize in their classrooms. David has been a blessing in my life, and I know he has changed the lives of hundreds if not thousands of others.
Truly brilliant educator! I enjoy David’s insightful conversations on the future of all things technological! He’s on the pulse of the current times!
Dave is a brilliant educator and changes peoples lives in an incredible way. The value added to the lives of his students encouraging them to reach for the stars is beyond measurable. He deserves to be nominated for life changer of the year!
Wow! I can't think of anyone more deserving of the LifeChanger award than you. Your passion for teaching and your dedication to your students are truly inspiring! The way you bring STEM to life with such creativity opens up a world of possibilities for the kids!
You don't just teach; you connect with your students in a way that lifts them up and makes them believe in themselves. Thank you for being a guiding light and for making such a meaningful impact. Keep being amazing! You’ve really changed lives!
Dave wasn’t just a form tutor, or a member of the house duty of care staff, he was a real mentor.
To say that I didn’t always see eye to eye with the schooling system would be something of an understatement. But Dave understood this instinctively, and i would say many of my peers would agree.
He took the time to know us individually, to get us to work within our strengths, mitigate and develop our weaknesses, and showed a genuine interest in each one of us outside of our academic portfolio. Despite being my IT teacher he was the primary driver for me continuing in an arts direction, which I have continued some 15 years later.
Patient, firm, and with an unyielding sense of who he was as a person, he took a bunch of adolescent boys in a boarding school, and showed them how to be men.
In a time when masculinity is being hijacked by anyone with a microphone, distorted in hundreds of different directions for a hundred more agendas, one constant comfort I take for the young men of today, is that Dave Williams is still teaching, still leading, and that they have such a positive role model.
Dave, thank you. You are an influence to who I have become today, and moving into my own role as a mentor and leader of soldiers and officers, I still remember your lessons.
A true titan among men.
I can genuinely say I would not have become the 32 year old successful decorated Police officer and now amateur engineer I am today without this gentleman’s guidance, dedication and teaching from an early age.
I was fortunate enough to have had David as an IT teacher in a boarding school setting in the UK from the age of 17 and this extended into extra curricular activities with myself and other students that had the opportunity to build and develop a fully functional rally car and classic vw campervan, this may have seemed trivial to some but this genuinely ignited a fire within myself as then a young man and over the months and years that we spent developing these projects lead me to grow and develop as a driven professional adult, this was through his otherworldly patience expertise and drive to share his wealth of knowledge to those wanting to learn, this I not only took into my first steps into the adult world of cooperate engineering within a large plant machinery setting having the opportunity to work directly with brands such as Doosan, Caterpillar, Mitsubishi to name a few but then ultimately into my current professional setting as a proactive front line Police officer within Merseyside police.
I say this whole heartedly in that if there was ever any man that was more deserving of an award named as ‘Life changer of the year’ he for me especially is the living example of this.
George Clapp - 2025
He truly embodies what it means to be a LifeChanger. His dedication to hands-on, inclusive education transforms students’ lives every day. From launching experiments into the stratosphere to promoting equity and real-world skill building, Mr. Williams goes above and beyond to ensure every student feels empowered and capable. His leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to student success make him the clear choice for this honor.
David, now a certified Part 107 Drone Pilot, is an excellent example of a leader in his school district. Through his training with Harrisburg University, he is more than qualified to train and help students in his classes become Part 107 certified and further their careers. I know that David will go on to great things in the world of unmanned aviation -- and any other endeavor he sets out on!
I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of the LifeChanger Award than Mr. David Williams. His commitment to student growth, both academically and personally, is nothing short of extraordinary. Mr. Williams is the kind of educator who not only teaches content but inspires curiosity, confidence, and character in every student he encounters.
His innovative approach to STEM education, from blacksmithing to drone piloting to national-level challenges like NASA TechRise, shows how deeply he believes in the potential of young minds. He creates learning experiences that are not only rigorous but truly transformational. Students leave his classroom not just with knowledge, but with a sense of purpose and the belief that they can shape their future.
Even more inspiring is Mr. Williams’ unwavering dedication to equity. He ensures that every student has access to high-level learning and the support they need to thrive. His efforts have empowered students to achieve national recognition and real-world certifications ; accomplishments that will serve them for life.
Mr. Williams is not just a teacher; he is a mentor, a leader, and a changemaker. He raises the bar for what education can and should be. His impact will echo for generations, and I am proud to support him for this well-deserved recognition.
I've only worked with Mr. Williams for a few years but I've already noticed how well he works will others and is always putting the experiences of the students first. Mr. Williams has approached me several times about different projects I could do with my students to expand their experiences as well. Mr. Williams not only collaborates well but produces results and real life impacts for his students.
A life changer indeed! David is an educator who inspires curiosity and a love of learning, leading by example, modelling those attributes that stay with students for a lifetime. He enables his students to explore their own potential, to realise their connection with the technological world in which they live, purposefully taking ownership of their own journey. A genuine role model.
David is a literal genius with systemized approach to educational equity. He is a literal champion of equity and innovation. From day one I was drawn to magnetic personality and vast knowledge of STEM with varied applications in the classroom
He is indeed a life changer and deserves this award
David is one of the best teachers I’ve ever met! I met him through our corporate outreach efforts… we wanted to find ways to encourage more students to pursue STEM careers, and working with him and his students was phenomenal. They way he brought excitement and passion to the 3D printing and robotics programs in his classroom was truly inspiring and a great model for other schools. David really is an exceptional and committed teacher, the kind we all hope to have in our lives. Thank you David!
Great teacher, lovely person!
A role model and a genuinely nice person!
I have had the pleasure of Knowing and working with Dave Williams in an educational environment. He is a brilliant mentor, inspirational teacher and a throughly decent man. He has compassion, empathy and a sense of humour and a positive mental attitude even when confronted with adversity. An excellent role model and really nice man.
Dave has absolutely been when I am my best advocates for Maker spaces in stem over the past few years. He helped me develop great curriculum for Ireland’s first multidisciplinary Maker space course for undergrads, and as health countless zoom calls with me working through machine, bugs, prototyping, or just chatting about activities. He really is a man of action and a role model in the making, and teaching community. The kind of projects that comes up with for his student students are absolutely inspiring, challenging, and thought-provoking. I wholeheartedly recommend him as a changemaker and Lifechanger.
Not surprised, passion drives you. Hope you win!
