Meet the GSP Team

Emily Williams, Director

Ms. Williams has been teaching at Independence since 2006. She taught Civics & Economics and AP US Government & Politics for 12 years before becoming the director of the Global Studies Program. She received a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from the University of Memphis and a Juris Doctorate from Washington University School of Law. Prior to her teaching career Ms. Williams practiced law in Pennsylvania, specializing in domestic violence cases. Ms. Williams earned her teaching certification from Point Park University in Pittsburgh and a Graduate Certificate in Academically or Intellectually Gifted Education from UNC Charlotte. She has been a Charlotte Teaching Institute Fellow, a member of the iCivics Teacher Advisory Panel, and a fellow at the National Academy for Advanced Teacher Education. Currently, Ms. Williams is serving on the Teacher Advisory Council for the National Constitution Center and is working with the League of Women Voters of Mecklenburg County to develop voting and local government guides for schools and new US citizens.

Sarah Graboyes

Mrs. Sarah Graboyes teaches World Humanities, within the Global Studies Program, as well as Civics and Economics. She is excited to be returning to the Independence High School team as she begins her 13th year in education. Go Patriots!

Originally from Northern Virginia, Mrs. Graboyes attended Lenoir-Rhyne University where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Secondary History Education. She also holds a Master's Degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Winthrop University. Mrs. Graboyes is a published curriculum author having developed units of study through the Charlotte Teacher's Institute and has presented at both state and global conferences regarding globally focused education.

Lauren Schultz

2016 IHS Teacher of the Year

Ms. Lauren Schultz is in her eighth year at Independence High School! She is the Media Coordinator at Independence and teaches AP Research. Ms. Schultz also provides instructional support to our Global Studies program teachers. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Middle East Studies and Political Science from Fordham University, a Master's of Library and Information Science with a concentration in School Librarianship from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Graduate Certificate in Academically or Intellectually Gifted Education from UNC Charlotte. She is currently completing a Master's of Education in AIG at UNCC.