Tricia Williams
Tricia Williams is a seasoned education and social services professional with more than 30 years of experience spanning special education, case management, and public assistance programs. Based in the Midland–Odessa area, she has built a career rooted in compassion, adaptability, and service to individuals with diverse needs. Her professional background reflects a strong commitment to supporting students with disabilities, promoting independence, and helping individuals access essential community resources.
She began her career in social services after initially studying music and later shifting her academic focus to criminal justice at The University of Texas Permian Basin. Early in her career, she worked with Permian Basin Mental Health and Mental Retardation, where she coordinated the In Home Family Support Program, helping individuals with disabilities remain in community settings rather than institutional care. She later served with Texas Health and Human Services managing programs such as Medicaid, food assistance, and public aid, and continued her work in disability services as a transition counselor with the Texas Rehabilitation Commission, supporting students with special needs as they prepared for life after high school.
Following more than a decade in state agencies, she transitioned into education and became a certified special education teacher, dedicating approximately 24 years to teaching middle school students in resource reading, English, and inclusion classrooms. She also served as a case manager responsible for IEP development and student support planning, working primarily with grades 6–8, including emotionally disturbed and ESL populations. Now retired from full-time teaching and working as a substitute teacher, she is seeking remote opportunities due to arthritis while pursuing creative work, including writing a young adult adventure novel set in West Texas, reflecting her lifelong dedication to storytelling, resilience, and service.
• Special Education Certification through Region 18
• The University of Texas Permian Basin - B.S.
• Animal Rescue
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, determination, and a strong work ethic. When faced with challenges, I take a brief moment to regroup and then refocus on what needs to be done. Throughout my career, I consistently worked multiple jobs while teaching, demonstrating my commitment to building a better future. That persistence has led me to a place where I can now focus on my passion for writing, which brings me a deep sense of fulfillment and motivates me to continue growing creatively.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to maintain a healthy balance between your personal and professional life and not take challenges too personally. Working with middle school students, especially those who are emotionally challenged, can be difficult, and they may sometimes be harsh. It’s important to remain firm yet compassionate—humor can often help build meaningful connections. Always remember your purpose and focus on the bigger picture: the lasting impact you have on your students’ lives, your community, and the opportunities you help create for their future.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field include the highly demanding nature of special education work, particularly the extensive administrative responsibilities such as IEP writing, progress monitoring, testing coordination, and instructional planning. Additionally, working with emotionally disturbed middle school students can be especially challenging due to their complex behavioral and emotional needs. On a personal level, I am also seeking more flexible, home-based work options due to severe arthritis, which has encouraged me to consider opportunities that allow me to continue contributing meaningfully in education while better supporting my health and well-being.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are resilience, determination, balance, and selflessness in service to others.
Locations
MISD
Odessa, TX 79763