Velika Williams
Velika Williams is an experienced educator and academic specialist with over 15 years of experience supporting K–12 students across traditional, virtual, and non-traditional learning environments. Based in DeLand, Florida, she has built a career focused on academic intervention and reading development, helping students strengthen foundational skills and regain confidence in their education. She holds advanced degrees in education from University of Phoenix, where her flexible learning experience helped shape her passion for supporting diverse and non-traditional learners.
Williams’ professional journey is both unique and purpose-driven, beginning in law enforcement as a corrections officer and deputy before transitioning into education to pursue her calling as a child advocate. She has served in a variety of roles, including virtual educator, adjunct professor, and substitute teacher, delivering instruction, designing curriculum, and providing targeted interventions for students in need. For the past several years, she has worked as a homeschool administrator with Beacon Ridge Online Learning, where she partners closely with families to create personalized education plans, set goals, and provide ongoing guidance tailored to each student’s needs and lifestyle.
Driven by a commitment to integrity, communication, and student-centered learning, Williams specializes in supporting at-risk and non-traditional learners. She works closely with families navigating homeschooling and alternative education options, offering reassurance, structure, and flexibility in equal measure. Her approach emphasizes meeting students where they are—academically and personally—while empowering them to succeed on their own terms. Through her work, she continues to make a meaningful impact by helping students and families discover pathways to educational success that align with their unique circumstances.
• Certified Gifted Learning 2024
• Exceptional Student Education 2007
• Out-of-State Certification from Colorado
• Out-of-State Certification from Washington
• University of Phoenix- M.Ed.
• University of Phoenix- M.S.
• University of West Florida- M.S.
What do you attribute your success to?
I would have to say being able to get my education flexibly as well. I did go to the University of Phoenix, and it was the first time anything like that existed. It was brand new, very skeptical, people were very cautious, we just didn't understand it, but it allowed me to get my education while working, and that ability was very important to me. I felt everyone should have that, especially with the mindset that I had from traditional brick and mortar. It kind of just unlocked the whole world for me. Had I not had that experience, I wouldn't be able to empathize with the non-traditional learner. I think that changed my life a lot.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to network with people in the area you want to go to. It's important to look ahead and almost position yourself as if you've already done it, and it just helps you align your goals with getting there. I often think, hey, I can take advice from this person because they are where I want to be. So just making sure that I vet my sources and that they're credible. That's pretty much what I've been told over the years.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice would be to come in with a strong sense of self, and then that way you are able to separate any bias or any emotions from the overall goal. Very important, because this is emotional work, and it could take us down the road. But I feel like if we are focused on the well-being of the child and families, that we're able to have those tough conversations and do what's best for the child. So just a strong sense of self, grounded in your morals and goals, and that should get you a good stable start.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is fear. Families don't know what they don't know. They associate education with a building. But really, it's stability, it's the rapport, it's the students, that's what makes education. So removing that mindset that they have to go to a designated place, and they have to be in that place for a certain amount of time for them to be able to learn, that's the stigma I'm seeing right now. The fear of the unknown. What they don't know, they don't know.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I just value integrity, honesty, consistency, and being communicative. It goes a long way with families and kids. We're dealing with a special population, and consistency is like gold. It's weighted. If you're gonna be late every day, even if you're wrong, they accept you. So establish who you are, establish your routines, whether they're traditional or non-traditional, and stick with those. If you have to pivot, communicate that. Being integral, being open, being honest, communicative, those are all values that I hold true to the best. I kind of lead with that.