Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) recently featured Brian Williams, a 1991 graduate of Arlington High School, in its Alumni Spotlight series. The initiative aims to showcase the experiences and achievements of IPS alumni and highlight their contributions to the community.
Williams currently teaches English at Purdue Polytechnic High School Broad Ripple, where he is recognized for his instructional leadership and innovative teaching methods. His focus on student-centered instruction and real-world applications has contributed to student engagement and achievement within a STEM-focused environment. In 2025, Williams was named the Speddy Award recipient for General Education Teacher of the Year.
Reflecting on his time at IPS, Williams said, “My experiences at IPS were great. I’ve kept up with many of my High School teachers over the years. They continued to help guide my educational and professional choices.”
When asked about memorable moments or influential teachers during his time at IPS, he recalled, “I have lots of memorable moments from my time at Arlington. We were the first IPS band to have a ‘Boogie drill,’ as Mr. Mathis would say, for the Circle City Classic Parade.”
Williams emphasized the impact that specific educators had on his development: “While a student in the IPS system, teachers like Mr. Douglas, Mr. Lamb, Mr. Urbain, Mrs. Penn, and Mr. Hurst challenged me to think critically. Developing this skill prepared me for college and future professional success.”
He identified critical thinking as the most valuable skill gained during his education at IPS: “Critical Thinking has been the most valuable skill that I carried away from the IPS experience. To always question text.”
Williams also discussed staying connected with other alumni: “Many of my professional colleagues even before becoming an educator were also IPS alumni. I would encourage current IPS students to be ask questions and take advantage of their teachers’ knowledge.”
Regarding challenges faced during high school, Williams noted perceptions about educational rigor: “During my time in high school, the constant challenge was that township schools were thought to have a higher level of rigor and education. It was not until I was in college that I realized my IPS education was on par with, if not better.”
Indianapolis Public Schools serves over 30,000 students through a network of schools and programs in central Indianapolis according to its official website. The district emphasizes racial equity as a core strategic priority and focuses on fostering academic excellence through tailored education. Aleesia Johnson currently serves as superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools.