“Meet William C. Wade, EdS – an educator who has dedicated his career to shaping young minds and empowering future generations. Through innovative teaching techniques and a passion for learning, he inspires students to reach their full potential. Join us in celebrating the pivotal role educators like Mr. Wade play in our communities, driving progress and fostering growth one classroom at a time.”
Mr. Wade is a product of Chicago Public Schools, a proud graduate of Hyde Park Career Academy High School. During Mr. Wade’s matriculation at HPCA, he knew early on that he wanted to become a servant for urban American students. Immediately after graduating from high school, he traveled back to his family’s roots in the Mississippi Delta. William enrolled in the only two year HBC in the United States, Coahoma Junior College. While attending CJC/CCC, William majored in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics. William also served as the SGA Business Manager and President. Mr. Wade graduated with honors.
Proudly, William enrolled at the oldest land grant HBCU in America, Alcorn State University. William majored in Secondary Mathematics Education. Additionally, Mr. Wade served as the Business Manager of the SGA at Alcorn State University. Excitedly, William was initiated into the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity while attending Alcorn State University. After completing his student teaching and graduating, William accepted a teaching position with the Clarksdale Municipal School District as a middle school Math teacher. Mr. Wade happily served in that role for one school term.
William relocated to nearby Memphis, Tn. William joined Memphis City Schools as a Math teacher at Wooddale High School. While working at Wooddale HS, Mr. Wade also served as the Varsity Head Baseball Coach, Asst. Varsity Basketball Coach, Head Girls Track Coach Head Boys and Girls Cross Country Coach. Mr. Wade’s success was not limited to the classroom, his student athletes excelled on the playing fields also.
While working in Memphis, TN., Mr. Wade earned the Masters in Education (M.Ed) from Christian Brothers University.
After completion of his Masters degree, Mr. Wade moved to Atlanta, GA. William moved to Atlanta to work with Atlanta Public Schools. While working with Atlanta Public Schools, he served as a Math teacher, Small learning community leader, Head Baseball Coach, Asst. Basketball Coach, and Assistant Principal. He worked at D.M. Therrell HS, Frederick Douglass HS, and Alonzo A. Crim Open Campus HS. Additionally, William earned his Education Specialist (EdS) degree while working in Atlanta. He attended Lincoln Memorial University to attain this degree.
After 10 years with Atlanta Public Schools, Mr. Wade decided to relocate to Philadelphia, PA. Mr. Wade was offered a position with The School District of Philadelphia as a Turnaround High School Principal. Mr. Wade served in this role for seven years. Mr. Wade successfully redirected three high schools while in Philadelphia. He immediately impacted the school climate and student outcomes at The Philadelphia Military Academy at Leeds, Roberts Vaux HS, and The Promise Academy @ Martin Luther King HS. While working at The Promise Academy @ Martin Luther King HS, Mr. Wade led the successful merger of Germantown HS and Martin Luther King HS. This historical event was documented in the film, “We Could Be King”. Mr. Wade and his team received a “Sports Emmy” award for the documentary.
This success led Mr. Wade to be offered a position as Asst. / Associate Superintendent with Santa Fe Public Schools in Santa Fe, NM. Mr. Wade was aligned with the traditional lowest performing K-12 schools in the Santa Fe Public Schools. While working with SFPS, William was a co-creator of Early College Opportunities HS. The success led William to be offered a position as CEO/Superintendent of Urban Pathways K-5 College Charter in Pittsburgh, PA. William thoroughly enjoyed his time spent working with the families in Pittsburgh. Mr. Wade led UPK5CC through the worldwide pandemic before leaving to take a position at his Alma Mater, Coahoma Community College. Mr. Wade served for one year as Director of Educational Outreach.
William was offered and accepted his current position as the Principal/Head of School at the oldest HBHS in the state of Georgia, Booker T. Washington HS.
Gamma Pi Alumni Association – 1st Quarter 2023