Posted by Scott Johnson | Jul 20, 2022 | Cover Story | 0 |

 Coolest Public Middle School Teacher – Mobile William DeMouy, Grand Bay Middle

Grand Bay Middle School social studies teacher William DeMouy is only in his second year of teaching — something that is unconventional for someone 37 years old. However, unconventional is DeMouy’s style and it has led him to back-to-back years of securing community teaching accolades. 

DeMouy is this year’s Nappie Award-winner for Coolest Middle School Teacher in Mobile, and he’ll be able to hang his coveted Nappie poster right next to his WKRG Golden Apple Award that he received last year. DeMouy said he employs humor and pop culture in his teaching approach. 

“If I can get the kids giggling or laughing, the higher the chance I can get them involved in my discussion to get questions to drive conservation,” DeMouy said. “Growing up, I was big into theater and acting. I always enjoyed improv and performing in front of people. I rely on my quick wit to provide a fun experience for my students.”

Early into his new career path, DeMouy feels like he’s thriving in the job and actually enjoys the work. He believes that’s the reason for all of his recognition in a short amount of time.

While quick success by DeMouy is inspiring, what many people don’t see is that his unconventional path to teaching took him through a decade of a career he dreaded — sales.

DeMouy is a Mobile native and the son of Bill and Yvonne DeMouy. He is a 2003 graduate of UMS-Wright Preparatory School and a 2009 graduate from the University of South Alabama (USA) where he earned a degree in business. 

After college, DeMouy entered the corporate world where he spent nearly 10 years working in sales for a local beverage distributor. At the age of 33, he had had enough and decided he needed out.

“I wasn’t really happy or satisfied and wasn’t being fulfilled,” DeMouy said. “I spent several months reflecting inward on what I wanted out of life and what would make me happy and would get me out of bed with a smile on my face in the morning. That led me to teaching.”

DeMouy left his job and returned to school. With the help of a former co-worker, he landed in USA’s events catering department, which supported him through another four years of school to secure a degree in secondary education.

DeMouy said he had always been a history connoisseur and believed that subject would be a good fit. Once he got back into the classes, he quickly realized school was where he was meant to be.

Some people know exactly what they want to do with their lives by the time they get to college, but DeMouy’s journey was not a direct path. He said others can make the same jump he did.

“Find what you want to do and go for it,” he said. “I was scared to death. You have to overcome that fear, go for it and you’ll see the benefits. I spent way too much time not being happy with what I was doing. The power to change was always within my hands.”

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Reporting on Mobile County, crime, public safety and education.