Laura Williams

Laura Williams leads Authentic Learning Alliance, helping schools design learning experiences where students contribute to meaningful work in their communities and beyond. She collaborates with educators and partners to create opportunities for students to apply skills, explore careers, and make a visible impact through authentic projects. After a decade with Iowa’s Area Education Agencies (AEAs), Laura continues her mission through Authentic Learning Alliance, while still partnering with AEAs, the Iowa Department of Education, and school districts. She supports educators globally through professional learning, consulting, instructional design, and speaking engagements. A certified Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Agile Classrooms Teacher Trainer, Laura brings expertise in authentic learning, agile education, and student-centered instruction. Her background in teaching, leadership, and design fuels a practical, collaborative approach that empowers educators to foster student ownership, collaboration, and purpose-driven learning. Laura is the author of The Improvement Game: Exploring Education Through Passion, Agility, and Authentic Learning Experiences, a guide to designing engaging, student-led work aligned with real-world needs. She holds licensure as a K–12 Principal and Special Education Supervisor and has earned master’s degrees in Teaching and Learning and in Educational Policy and Leadership. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education.