Dr. Joe Williams

IB Coordinator & Instructor | James S. Rickards High School, IB World School #000881

Since joining Rickards in August 2007, Dr. Williams has been a passionate advocate for international education and academic excellence. In May 2010, he assumed the role of IB Coordinator, guiding students and faculty through the rigorous International Baccalaureate curriculum with dedication and expertise.

Dr. Williams teaches a diverse range of subjects—including IB Music, AP Music Theory, IB and AP History, IB Philosophy, and Theory of Knowledge—each reflecting his interdisciplinary background and global perspective. His academic journey began at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he earned his Ph.D. and served as both a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Lecturer.

His doctoral research, Transmitting the Balafon in Mande Culture: Performing Africa at Home and Abroad, is grounded in fieldwork conducted in Guinea and the Northeastern United States. This study examines how traditional African musical practices are passed on across cultures, emphasizing the power of performance as cultural dialogue. Read more about the dissertation here.

With a love for learning and a commitment to global citizenship, Dr. Williams strives to instill in students the values of open-mindedness, intellectual curiosity, and community engagement. He is proud of Rickards’ vibrant and diverse student body and works alongside accomplished IB faculty to foster an environment where scholars flourish—not only as