| Quick Links |
Mary Ann Williams has been an employee with HISD for the past 19 years in several capacities. Most recently, she has been teaching Business Computer Information Systems (BCIS), Business Image Management and Multimedia (BIMM), and Business Communications at Stephen F. Austin High School. Last year Mrs. Williams was awarded the Achieve Texas Grant of $50,000 toward strengthening her programs.
In addition to job skills, computer skills and marketing skills, the students at Austin High School learn character skills such as trust, loyalty, respect and other interpersonal attributes.
More and more of our industry partners are telling us that they would like to see a big improvement in the soft skills of employees arriving in the workplace. They recognize that in order to gain a competitive advantage, they also need to make sure their people know how to handle themselves at work and how to relate with their customers and peers. From showing empathy and optimism to extreme self-awareness to knowing what's going on around them, these vital competencies are an integral part of a progressive organization.
HISD Character Education Department filmed a lesson on work ethics and character values in the workplace. This segment ran on the HISD channel for the entire months of April, May, and November 2008! Ms. Williams discusses the character education focus in the detail, along with the some student projects below.
