Mentors
The SPK12 Mentors
Unlocking Potential, Nurturing Excellence: School Pro Skill Mentors
Charles Williams
Former Charter School Principal
After five years of classroom teaching, he assumed the role of a mentor teacher, providing professional development and valuable feedback to his colleagues on implementing effective teaching practices. In 2012, Williams ventured into the charter sector, where he excelled as a lead teacher. Due to his outstanding performance, he was promoted twice in consecutive years, first to assistant principal and then to principal. Seeking new experiences, Williams relocated to Chicago, where he served as an elementary school principal for several years. He then returned to Michele Clark High School, this time as an assistant principal, further expanding his leadership expertise. Apart from his impactful work within schools, Charles Williams also serves as an equity Champion in both the city of Chicago and the Chicago Public Schools. In these influential roles, he played a significant part in developing an Equity Framework adopted district-wide. Additionally, Williams participated in the inaugural cohort of Great Expectations Mentoring (GEM), a program that fosters minority leadership development and advocates for diversified school leadership within the Chicago Public Schools.
Mark French
National Distinguished Elementary Principal
Mark French retired in 2021 after a 38 year career as an elementary school teacher, leader, and principal serving the last 23 years as a principal. He worked in urban and suburban, public and private, and elementary and middle school settings. Some of his highlights and accomplishments include meeting and welcoming President George H.W. Bush to his school in St. Paul, Minnesota, serving as President of the Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association, and being honored as the National Association of Elementary School Principals 2015 Minnesota National Distinguished Principal. Mark has presented at NAESP Conferences, MESPA Winter Institutes, and for local school districts. Mark has contributed to a variety of articles and books and co-authored “Principals In Action” with Jay Posick and Ryan Sheehy. Since retiring, Mark has volunteered at his neighborhood elementary school as a helper in a dual-language first grade classroom.
Billy Snow
Principal, Superintendent, National Distinguished Principal Finalist
Dr. Billy Snow is a national consultant, coach and speaker. With over 25 years of experience, he has served at every level in public education, from teacher to superintendent. Dr. Snow has been named Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, a National Distinguished Principal Finalist, and is recognized as a school turnaround expert. Dr. Snow has partnered with dozens of school districts, the University of Virginia and RELAY GSE to provide unparalleled coaching in all areas of school turnaround, leadership development and equity. He is known as a principal's principal and for "keeping it real" by sharing practical approaches that work to build positive climate and culture, increase the capacity of teachers and leaders and raise student achievement.
