Will is the director of the McKinley High School glee club, New Directions. He is also a teacher at the school. Shortly after arriving as a member of McKinley's faculty he took over for the school's glee club when Sandy Ryerson was removed due to inappropriately touching a male student.Other than his musical background, Will greatest strengths are his enthusiasm for glee club and affection for his students. Most members of New Directions are social outcasts at McKinley and Will is as interested in their development as people as he is winning competitions. His approach to coaching New Directions is to give weekly assignments, which consistent of the students performing songs based on what is happening in their lives.In the pilot Will learns that his wife is pregnant with their first child. His first inclination is to step away from New Directions, but the kids help convince him to stay on.During his high school days Will was a part of McKinley's glee club, helping them to a championship as a performer. After high school Will gave up on dream of a career in show business and married Terri, his high school sweetheart. Will began his teaching career at McKinley in the Spanish department, but moved to teaching history.