The Public School Forum of North Carolina is honored to feature longtime educator and steadfast advocate Tom Williams in our Donor Spotlight series.
From his unexpected move to North Carolina as a young newlywed to a career spanning teacher, coach, principal, superintendent, and nonprofit leader, Tom has spent five decades advancing public education across our state. In this Q&A, he reflects on the journey that brought him here, the values that continue to ground his work, and why he invests in the Forum’s mission to ensure every child has access to a sound, basic education.
Can you share a little about your journey to North Carolina? What has kept you rooted here?
I grew up in Natick, Massachusetts, and thought I’d return there to teach and coach after college. Life had other plans. When my wife Lisa’s family moved to Lumberton and my parents relocated to Pennsylvania, we decided to start our life together in North Carolina. I transferred from Boston College to Pembroke State University, where I earned my teaching license.
Soon after, I was offered my first contract in Wake County—just fifteen days into student teaching. It truly was, as my professors told me, the “opportunity of a lifetime.” Lisa and I moved to Raleigh in 1975, and North Carolina quickly became home.
What inspired you to launch Strategic Educational Alliances, and what are you most proud of?
After 32 years as a principal and superintendent, I founded Strategic Educational Alliances in 2007 to continue serving schools and leaders. My passion has always been to help districts pursue continuous improvement through strategic planning and professional development.
One of my proudest contributions has been partnering with the NC Principals and Assistant Principals Association to design and deliver yearlong leadership programs. Now in their 13th and 15th years, these programs continue to support principals and assistant principals in meeting today’s evolving challenges.
What inspired you to invest in the Public School Forum’s mission?
I’ve been engaged with the Forum since its founding. From the beginning, what stood out to me was its unique role—bringing together education, business, nonprofit, and government leaders to pursue solutions grounded in research and practice. That work is never easy, but the Forum has consistently created the space and leadership needed to keep education moving forward.
What outcomes do you hope your support helps make possible?
I know from experience that policy, funding, and leadership matter. North Carolina made great strides in student achievement and school performance in the early 2000s, in part because of the Forum’s research and advocacy. We’ve since lost ground, but I believe we can do better again.
Supporting the Forum helps ensure we have nonpartisan research, innovative programs, and broad coalitions that give every child—no matter their zip code—the chance to succeed.
What gives you hope about the future of public education in North Carolina?
The Forum’s ability to convene and to persist gives me hope. Its annual Local Finance Study, its spotlight on Top Education Issues, and its signature programs like the Education Policy Fellowship Program show what it means to pair research with action. Those touchstones remind me that progress is always possible when we combine evidence with advocacy.
Is there a message you’d like to share with North Carolina’s educators?
As a lifelong principal and superintendent, I know that teachers are the heart of student success. Your preparation, creativity, and dedication shape not only the classroom experience, but also the next generation of teachers and leaders.
I became a teacher because of a teacher. To those serving today: know that your influence is profound, your sacrifices are seen, and your impact will echo for decades.
Tom Williams is one of a kind and indeed has played a vital role in education throughout the years. Tom’s gift is constantly listening to the voice of his “customers”- teachers, principals, school board members, and just about anyone he comes in contact with- a true gentleman, giver, servant-leader… you name it, everything positive about Tom Williams is a part of what makes Tom Williams very, very special!