Productive Chaos: How Brianna Williams Brought New York Energy to E.L. Haynes’s Science Labs

Brianna Williams didn’t set out to be a science teacher. In fact, she didn’t plan on entering a traditional classroom at all.

Her path began in 2016 in New York City, working at an after-school program for children with disabilities, many of whom were nonverbal. Despite having no formal credentials at the time, Brianna noticed a powerful connection. The kids gravitated toward her energy.

“That’s when I knew my heart was in it,” she reflects. “This is what I was meant to do.”

Science found her later—and entirely by accident. Originally imagining herself teaching literacy and writing, Brianna realized her own identity as a highly active, kinesthetic learner demanded a hands-on subject. The more she taught science, the more it stuck.

Now in her third year at E.L. Haynes Public Charter School, she leads the K–5 science program. Her classroom philosophy? Productive chaos.

The Blueprint for STEAM Plus

Step into Brianna’s lab on any given day, and you won’t see students sitting quietly at desks. You’ll see a buzzing ecosystem of group work, computer simulations, live organisms, and students actively building physical models.

As E.L. Haynes charges ahead with its historic transition to becoming DC’s first pre-K through 12 STEAM Plus charter school, Brianna’s classroom isn’t just prepared for the future—it’s the blueprint.

“Science needs to be embedded in everything we do,” Brianna says. “I am incredibly excited about this vision because it aligns our work across all campuses. It builds a culture where students, teachers, and families are constantly inspired to ask questions and stay curious.”

Moving to DC? The Landing is Soft.

Relocating to a new city for a teaching position can be daunting. As an out-of-town hire from New York, Brianna arrived in the District without a local network.

Haynes intentionally recruits educators from outside the immediate DC region to bring fresh perspectives to the community—and they ensure those teachers are supported from Day One.

For Brianna, that support was both logistical and social:

• Navigating the City: Staff provided hands-on transportation and neighborhood guidance when she was unfamiliar with the streets.
• Instant Community: “I didn’t have any friends coming here,” Brianna shares. “Having dedicated moments with the staff to just hang out, eat food together, and network was incredibly helpful.”

Hanging Up the “Superwoman” Cape

If Brianna could whisper some advice into the ear of her first-year self, it would be to shed the pressure of doing it all alone.

“My first year, I stayed in my own little bubble because I took my classroom so seriously,” she admits. “I felt alone when all I had to do was ask for support. I realized that everything I needed was already right here in the building.”

At Haynes, collaboration is a built-in metric, not a buzzword. Departments regularly cross-collaborate, and school leadership operates with an open-door policy.

“Leadership is just a phone call or text away,” says Brianna. “My manager uses our one-on-ones to actively ask where I want to see my career go and how she can back me up with professional development funding and resources. Close mouths don’t get fed. If you want something here, all you have to do is ask.”

The Haynes Culture Fit
According to Brianna, the educators who thrive most at E.L. Haynes are those who:
1. Own Their Learning: Always willing to grow and sharpen their pedagogy.
2. Practice Innovation: Ready to experiment with new strategies.
3. Bring the “Swag”: Celebrating the school’s vibrant, joyful culture through community performances and heritage events.
4. Lead with Joy: “That’s what the world needs. You will thrive if you lead with that.

Bring Your Perspective to E.L. Haynes

Whether you are right down the street in DC or planning a move from across the country, E.L. Haynes provides the autonomy, resource backing, and community you need to thrive.