Jayne Williams
Jayne Williams is an experienced educator and technology trainer with a career spanning over four decades. Beginning her teaching journey in 1979, she taught first grade at a Title I school in South Carolina before transitioning to high school math, guiding students at 5th to 7th grade levels toward algebra proficiency using innovative computer lab methods. Following a brief career break to assist with post-Hurricane Katrina rebuilding projects in New Orleans, she continued teaching 6th grade math in Florida and even led college-level technology courses. Her dedication to education is reflected in her strong academic record, earning bachelor’s degrees in preschool and elementary education from Coker College with a 3.97 GPA.
Since relocating to North Carolina in 2012, Jayne has focused on empowering adult learners, particularly seniors, through digital literacy and technology training. She teaches smartphone, tablet, and individual PC classes at NC Works through the State of Franklin program, helping participants navigate devices, online portals, and job-related technology skills. Her work emphasizes practical, step-by-step instruction, ensuring learners gain confidence and independence in the digital world. She is also pursuing certification as a digital navigator through Northstar and has completed the Goodwill Industries Digital Navigator certification program, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning.
In addition to her technology training, Jayne supports educators and the arts in her community. She has been a Teacher Resource at Shining Rock Classical Academy for over ten years, assisting 2nd through 6th grade teachers, and serves as an Operations Support Specialist at the Haywood County Arts Council, covering a wide range of administrative duties. Her professional philosophy centers on keeping the mind active through learning and hands-on coaching, blending decades of classroom experience with modern digital education to make a lasting impact on learners of all ages.
• Goodwill Industries Digital Navigator Certification
• Florida Teaching Certificate
• Coker University- B.A.
• Florida Southern College
• Friendship House Homeless Shelter (Fiber Arts class volunteer
• Prayer Shawl Ministry (making prayer shawls
• Poll Worker (Election Judge)
• Song Spinners (a cappella singing group)
• Choral Society
• Church Choir
• Handbell Player
What do you attribute your success to?
I think my success comes down to my ability to teach people information in a way they can understand. I've got a knack for being able to break things down into steps that people can grasp, especially when working with seniors. A lot of people might be teachers, but unless they can break things down into components where you can understand, they're not really teaching you, they're just talking at you. I also believe that what keeps me going is staying active and engaged. I can't just sit still - even when I'm watching the Atlanta Braves, I'm crocheting or cross-stitching. I think the key is to keep your brain active and keep learning. The more you exercise your mind, the better it gets. And honestly, what's the alternative? I'm not going to just sit around waiting. I need to be doing something to keep my brain going, whether that's working, taking classes in AI and Excel, or helping people not get taken advantage of when they buy technology.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to embrace continuous learning and seek out practical, hands-on training; with dedication, women can thrive in digital navigation and tech-support roles.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I feel that women can really be successful in the Digital Navigator program. The biggest challenge I see is that a lot of seniors are scared that they're going to blow up a computer if they do something wrong, or they don't understand how to do basic things like log into a patient portal when their doctor's office sends them an invitation. Many of them have grandchildren who will just take their device, do what needs to be done, and give it back without showing them how to do it, because not everybody is a teacher. The opportunity is in helping these people become digitally literate so they can function in a world that's going completely digital - everything from patient portals to applying for jobs requires computer skills now. I also see seniors being taken advantage of by salesmen when buying devices, like being sold PCs with only 4GB of RAM when they need at least 8 or 16GB. That's where I can step in and help make sure they understand what they're getting and that it's worth the money they spend.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most are lifelong learning, serving others, resilience in the face of challenges, and maintaining independence in both my work and personal life. These principles help me stay adaptable, compassionate, and committed to growth.