Emya Williams Watson Named Special Education Director for Ritenour School District

The SSD Board of Education recently approved Emya Williams Watson as the new special education director for Ritenour School District. Williams Watson has served as special education coordinator in Ritenour since 2020 and assumes the role following the passing of special education director Angi Fouste earlier this year.

“It is a privilege to serve the Ritenour community as the director of special education,” said Williams Watson. “I am committed to giving my very best each day to support every student, empower every educator, and partner with families and our community to ensure every learner has the opportunity to succeed.”

Williams Watson brings more than 15 years of experience in special education and student support. She began her career at SSD in 2011 as a paraprofessional in Webster Groves before becoming a special education teacher in Pattonville in 2015. Since 2020, she has served as special education coordinator in Ritenour, working closely with district leaders, school teams, and families to oversee special education programming, support instructional practices, ensure compliance with federal, state, and district requirements, and promote inclusive learning environments.

Throughout her career, Williams Watson has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting educators through coaching and collaboration, using student data to inform instructional decisions, and ensuring students receive the individualized services and supports they need to succeed. Her experience leading multidisciplinary teams, facilitating IEP processes, and partnering with general education staff has prepared her to lead special education services across Ritenour.

Williams Watson earned an Educational Specialist degree in K-12 Administration from Webster University, a Master of Arts in Teaching in Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical Special Education from Webster University, and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Alabama A&M University.