For Chandra Williams, teaching government doesn’t just happen through textbooks – it happens by empowering students to engage and think critically about the world around them.
With the 2024 presidential election and other local, state, and federal races on the ballot in just a couple of weeks, Williams’ classroom at Cane Ridge High School is buzzing with open discussion, debate, and excitement as students gain a deeper understanding of their role in democracy. She uses more than 27 years of teaching experience to help create that buzz. 
Williams brings a wealth of knowledge and excitement to her classroom. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she earned her degree in political science at Lipscomb University. Through her outreach and volunteer efforts in North Nashville, Williams discovered her true passion for teaching, leading her to shift her career path from law to education.
“One of the best decisions I ever made,” she says, reflecting on her career choice. “I come to work every day because my students inspire me.”
Structured Debates and Student-Led Discussions
With the upcoming election, Williams’ students are not just passive observers; they’re actively discussing social justice, policy, and the issues that matter most to them. Williams gives them the tools and resources to come to their policy and political opinions while offering a safe space to speak their minds, ask questions, and connect with their peers.
“People say, ‘Oh, Gen Z, they don’t pay attention,’ but they know what’s going on,” Williams says. “They’re very big on social justice issues and policy; they really want to know what are you, the candidate, going to do to bring about change?”
Williams has organized voter registration drives and connections with organizations like the League of Women Voters, the Urban League of Middle Tennessee, and the Davidson County Election Commission to encourage her students' civic participation. Through these efforts, Cane Ridge seniors who have turned 18 are registered to vote in the upcoming election.
“Chandra Williams’ work with Urban League of Middle Tennessee to get students registered to vote is a testament to her belief in the power of education and civic engagement,” said Kyle Alexander, MNPS’s Director of Social Studies, Health, Wellness, and Physical Education. “Her commitment to her students is truly inspiring, and I know she is making a real difference in their lives both in and out of her classroom.”
Through structured debates, student-led discussions, and a lot of mind maps to organize ideas and information, students break down complex political issues and ideas and form their own opinions, which must always be supported by credible research. Whether they are debating economic policy or discussing global events, Williams ensures that each student has the space to express their views, even when opinions differ.
“I give them the information and allow them to decide which way they want to go. They’re very smart, intuitive, and they seriously learn more from their peers,” she says.
Helping Students Understand their Power
For Williams, teaching civics goes beyond just preparing students to vote – it’s about helping them understand the power they hold as citizens. This is a realization that pushes them to think more deeply about the world they live in and how they can shape it for the better.
“As seniors, they’re about to turn 18,” she says. “They realize for change to come about, they’ve got to be in touch with their lawmakers.”
When asked about her favorite lesson to teach, Williams lights up.
“Teaching the Constitution is one of my favorite topics. Most find it boring. Why talk about a relic that sits in the National Archives Building? For some, it is irrelevant. It is a challenge and joy to breathe life into this document and encourage students to see how it applies to their everyday lives.”
As MNPS continues to support classrooms like Williams,’ it’s clear that Cane Ridge High School offers more than just a solid education – it offers a community where every voice is heard. With passionate teachers like Williams leading the charge, MNPS is there to ensure every student has the tools and voice to make a difference in their community.
As Williams says, “They’re the future, and their voices are going to change the world.”
"They Bring Me Joy and Lots of Inspiration"
