Orpheus Williams

Senior Partner, Engagements
He/Him

Orpheus Williams (he/him) is an African-American New York native that graduated from Cornell University with a degree in nutritional sciences. He also holds two master’s degrees from Trinity College (in secondary science education) and Pace University (in educational leadership through the New Leaders for New Schools Program – Cohort 4). Orpheus joined Teach for America in 1998 as an A.P. biology, chemistry, and physics teacher in Washington DC at Calvin Coolidge High School. After spending three years in the classroom, Orpheus transitioned to Atlanta, GA to serve as a curriculum specialist at Clay Elementary School. While in Atlanta, in conjunction with The New Teacher Project, he helped launch the Atlanta Teaching Fellows program (now the Georgia Teaching Fellows). After spending two years in Atlanta, Orpheus transitioned back to New York and worked for the NYC Teaching Fellows as the Director of Recruitment and Communication. Then in 2004 he joined New Leaders and worked at IS 62 in Ditmas Park Brooklyn under Dr. Nancy Brogan. The following year, Orpheus joined Achievement First and became the founding principal for Achievement First Crown Heights Middle School. He served as the principal there for the next four years, and in 2009 transitioned to KIPP as Principal Fellow. In the Fall of 2010, he took over as the principal of KIPP STAR. Since that transition, Orpheus maintains his love for teaching and coaching great leaders. In 2012 he transitioned into the Managing Director role for KIPP NYC Middle schools (supporting five principals). Over the next three years, he maintained that role in addition as serving as the interim principal at KIPP AMP Academy, in Brooklyn. Prior to joining TEL Orpheus worked with the KIPP Foundation as Senior Director for Leadership Development where he managed learning opportunities for founding school leaders, successors, and leadership team members. He recognized the need for leaders to develop their cultural competency lens as educators and ensured that each leadership cohort received yearlong training. After firmly placing that at the foundation of leaders’ learning, Orpheus focused his attention on giving regional executive leaders a similar learning experience. He facilitated their learning through yearlong trainings, conducts equity visits, and provides coaching on long-term strategic planning.