Desmond Williams

Desmond Williams is a career teacher, principal, author and thought leader. He is driven to help all children live their dreams. He received his Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Howard University in Washington, DC. He later received his master’s degree in Education and Human Development from George Washington University. He started his teaching career in DCPS as a special educator. He subsequently moved through the ranks and became a special education coordinator because of his business acumen and understanding of children with special needs. Soon afterwards Mr. Williams, worked in the Office of Special Education for DC Public Schools.

After leaving DCPS’s Office of Special Education, he ventured into the world of school-based administration. His expertise includes, student engagement, restorative justice, relationship building with students, and family engagement. Desmond has spoken at multiple conferences across the country offering his expertise and insight in engaging inner-city students. He has worked with several independent schools and school districts. His focus is on educating boys of color. “They are the most marginalized and are in need of the most help. Teachers that serve them, tend to be the teachers that are in need of the most support.” His other passions include teacher development, leadership development, literacy development Black children, special education and engaging boys of color in learning. In 2018, Williams launched Nylinka School Solutions and Education Consulting firm that focuses on helping schools and school districts.

Williams wrote the Burning House: Educating Black Boys in Modern America for a few reasons. First, I wanted to highlight what racism looks like in schools and how it impacts our boys. Second, I wanted to highlight the intellectual and educational heroes who have strived to make schools better for Black children. Third, this book stands as a referendum on Black dis-unity. I wrote the book to implore Blacks to unite and create educational agendas that work for Black children.