Clarissa Williams

Clarissa Williams is an experienced education professional currently serving as the Illinois Program Director and Leadership Coach for the Illinois Affinity Group Facilitators' Network at Teach Plus, where the focus is on developing facilitators to support and retain educators of color in Illinois. Prior roles include Director of Programs at New Teacher Center, where Clarissa managed consultations and professional development for over 20 client partners, and Senior Program Consultant, leading initiatives such as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative and instructional coaching programs. With a foundational background in special education as a teacher and induction coach for Chicago Public Schools, Clarissa has built expertise in mentoring, instructional coaching, and fostering inclusive educational practices. Clarissa holds a Bachelor of Education in Special Education from Illinois State University and an Associate of Arts from College of Lake County.