We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Monique Williams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Monique, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a time you helped a customer really get an amazing result through their work with you.

For many students, mastering math is essential for success in college and STEM careers. However, research indicates a troubling trend: nearly half of college students struggle in required algebra courses, often stemming from limited access to high-quality math instruction in underserved communities. As a former high school math instructor and someone who has taught both developmental and advanced math courses at community colleges and universities, I (Dr. Monique Williams) have seen this challenge firsthand.

At Reimagining Math LLC, we recognized the need for change and partnered with Ed Equity Lab to initiate meaningful solutions. Together, we developed a comprehensive professional development program tailored for Algebra 2 teachers, designed to transform both teaching practices and student outcomes.
This program is not just about enhancing teaching skills; it provides CEU-accredited training that empowers educators to inspire their students to excel in math. By advancing equity in math instruction, we aim to open doors to higher education and broader STEM career opportunities.

Here’s what Ed Equity Lab had to say about our collaboration:
“We had an incredible experience working with Reimagining Math LLC! Dr. Williams was incredibly instrumental in helping our organization establish quality professional development so our teachers can earn Continuing Education Credits (CEUs). Her guidance and patience made us feel comfortable asking questions and executing her feedback. The lessons learned will empower our team to provide leadership and further our commitment to improving math instruction across the nation!” — Ed Equity Lab

This partnership is a testament to our shared vision of breaking down barriers and fostering educational equity. By equipping educators with the tools they need, we are not just improving math proficiency; we are changing lives and shaping future generations of STEM leaders.

Monique, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As a dedicated math enthusiast, I am committed to ensuring that every student excels in math. My journey began as a high school math instructor and has expanded through roles as an educator and researcher at community colleges and universities, as well as a district math leader and coach. With experience spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels, I understand the continuum of math learning and the importance of foundational skills.
In my experience, I have witnessed the challenges students face in mastering math, especially in underserved communities. This passion drives my mission to empower teachers and leaders to cultivate a deep understanding of grade-level content and its role in the overall progression of math learning, enabling students to take ownership of their education and achieve remarkable results.
At Reimagining Math LLC, we enhance student outcomes by strengthening educators and school leaders. Our services include customized professional development, transformative leadership training, and partnerships that offer engaging exploratory math experiences.
What differentiates me in this field is my holistic approach, informed by my teaching experiences across K-12 and post-secondary settings. This perspective allows me to see the critical importance of what we implement in K-12 education and its impact on students’ success in college and beyond. I act as an architect, understanding both the overarching goals and the crucial details necessary for success. I specialize in bridging gaps, solving challenges, and steering schools and districts toward their goals. By identifying blind spots, analyzing data, and creating actionable plans, I empower leaders to address challenges effectively.
I take immense pride in the impact I’ve made. For instance, my collaborative work with a Math Instructional Coach exemplifies my philosophy of leading with empathy and partnership.

One coach remarked, “Dr. Williams is empowering; her phenomenal leadership and constructive criticism helped me develop in numerous areas. Dr. Williams used a combination of modeling and observations to provide invaluable feedback tailored to the needs of our math department. Her thorough multi-day sessions helped everyone make connections to why a shift to using a normed rubric with categories that included the word ‘mastery’ was critical. It is rare that leaders encompass a combination of her energy, passion, leadership, and commitment to accomplishing goals.”

Together, we co-facilitated sessions that addressed a new curriculum and enhanced data meetings. My guidance in adopting a normed rubric improved this school’s approach to student work analysis, deepening understanding and fostering consistency across the department.
I am proud to have inspired countless educators nationally through my professional development sessions and initiatives, empowering them to enact transformative changes in their classrooms.In summary, I strive to make learning math a fun, engaging, and valuable experience for all students. My goal is to build supportive communities in education that prioritize equity and high-quality instruction, ensuring every student can succeed in math.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building my reputation within the market has been a multifaceted journey, shaped by several key factors:

Expertise and Experience: My diverse background as an educator across elementary, middle, high school, and post-secondary levels has given me a comprehensive understanding of the math education landscape. This experience allows me to effectively connect with educators and stakeholders at all levels.

Passion for Empowering Educators: I have a genuine passion for helping teachers succeed, and I prioritize listening to the small details while keeping the big picture in mind. This attentive approach fosters strong relationships with educators, making them feel valued and supported in their professional growth.

Innovative Approach: I take a holistic approach to professional development, combining data analysis with practical classroom strategies. By tailoring my services to meet the specific needs of educators, I have differentiated my methods and established a reputation for being both effective and relevant.

Positive Outcomes and Testimonials: The measurable success of the educators I’ve supported, accompanied by positive feedback and testimonials, has reinforced my credibility. Hearing that my mentoring and coaching have led to real improvements in teaching strategies and student learning outcomes underscores my impact in the field.

Commitment to Equity: I am deeply committed to equity in education, particularly in how I support best practices for teaching students with learning differences and multilingual learners. Ensuring that all students have access to high-quality math instruction aligns with my values and the goals of many educators and institutions seeking to address disparities in education.

These elements combined have helped me build a solid reputation as a leader in math education. I continue to strive for excellence and innovation in all my endeavors, driven by my commitment to empowering educators and enhancing student achievement.

Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?

Yes, my business has multiple revenue streams. In addition to the professional development and leadership training services we provide to educators and schools, we also offer math tutoring services for families. Additionally, we partner with schools to provide in-school tutoring options that further support students during the school day.
The benefits of these tutoring services are significant:
Personalized Learning: Our tutoring sessions are tailored to meet the individual needs of each student, allowing for personalized instruction that addresses specific learning gaps and enhances understanding.
Alignment with Classroom Instruction: By working closely with teachers and aligning our tutoring with the school curriculum, students receive reinforcement of the concepts they are learning in class, which helps improve comprehension and retention.
Convenient Access: Offering in-school tutoring options allows students to access support during the school day, making it easier for them to participate without additional travel or scheduling conflicts for families.
Support for Diverse Learners: Our tutors are trained to work with students with learning differences and multilingual learners, ensuring that all students receive the necessary tools and strategies to thrive in their math education.
Improved Confidence and Performance: By providing extra support, our tutoring programs help boost students’ confidence in their mathematical abilities, leading to improved performance and a more positive attitude toward learning.
By incorporating both family tutoring services and in-school options, we not only diversify our revenue streams but also reinforce our commitment to enhancing student success in a comprehensive and impactful way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.reimaginingmath.com
• Instagram: reimaginingmath
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-apollon-williams-ph-d-05a7921a6?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BP7qcSL2VTSein7bG7x%2Fz2w%3D%3D

Image Credits

asteway photography