Weston Awards: Amillah P. Williamson

This is the latest in our series spotlighting the 2026 winners of the Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching. Follow along each week to learn more about the impact these educators are making in the Montclair Public Schools.

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At Nishuane Elementary School, school counselor Amillah P. Williamson is known for running her "Compliment Club.” 

A peer who nominated Ms. Williamson for the Weston award explained: “When students are the 'chair' of Compliment Club, they report feeling very happy and seen. As a teacher who is a part of the process, it's amazing to watch the students learn how to give genuine, specific, and personal compliments to others. They are learning appreciation, language development, and social skills in a way that celebrates their classmates and the classroom community.” 

Well, at the June 9 ceremony for the 2026 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching, Ms. Williamson, got to hear some of the genuine, specific compliments shared about her in nomination letters.

Here are just a few, in the words of parents and colleagues: 

• "With the recent administrative and teaching staff changes at Nishuane, she has helped with transitions in respectful ways that honor each individual and support student and staff success." 

• "She responds to challenging situations quickly and compassionately."

• "She deals with emergency situations for students, families, and staff in creative, efficient, and effective ways that respect the privacy of the people involved."

• "She works to ensure that marginalized people in our school community are recognized and included, identifying needs and providing solutions."

• "Over the past four years, Mrs. Williamson has consistently made our children—and every student she encounters—feel seen, supported, and safe. She knows my children by name and has supported them through several difficult peer situations with care, wisdom, and discretion." 

• "Her Lunch Buddy program has been an especially meaningful support for my daughter as she navigates friendships and complex issues around race."

• "Mrs. Williamson has encouraged me as a parent during times when things have not been easy. The work she does is invaluable and often thankless, yet she shows up every day with compassion, steadiness, and dedication." 

• "She was a rock for my daughter’s Kindergarten class during a year of whiplash staffing cuts." 

Ms. Williamson, for being a trusted and tireless advocate for students and families, and for providing a source of stability, belonging, and growth at Nishuane, the Montclair community is proud to recognize you as winner of the 2026 Inspired Counselor Award. Congratulations.