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Melissa Davis Home Learn More Standards Inspiration About the Author |
About the Author
My passion in education started long before I knew that I was going to be a teacher. I was always told growing up that I worked well with kids and peers. I was a natural born leader and remember being a Biology aide and field trip leader in high school. I taught my peers the flora and fauna of our natural world and went on to be a director for community schools in college, where I was also reminded of how well I worked with children. My father and sister were both educators and I was determined to not follow suit. I have had a wide range of careers from operations manager in Alaska for the largest transportation service and cruise ships. I was a healthcare recruiter, and spent a large portion of my life in hospitality, food and beverage service. Finally, at 30 years old I went into the classroom as a substitute teacher and have not left.
Alaskan NativeI was born in Kodiak, Alaska and when I say that it is a small fishing village, keep in mind that the same doctor that delivered my father, delivered me. I grew up all over Alaska from Wasilla to Juneau. I am very outdoorsy and find my peace of mind in nature. My family moved to Washington state while I was in high school and I went on to obtain my Bachelor’s Degree from Central Washington University, go wildcats! I then moved back to Alaska and began to travel. I have been all over the world from Australia to Germany, Peru, Costa Rica and Central Americas, Mexico, France, The Netherlands and many more. I appreciate all cultures and I think that helped me to become the compassionate and patient educator and role model that I am today. I am proud to be a Native American and I think it helps working with minorities, as my current classroom population is of hispanic and latino descent. My alternative school is nothing like a regular or traditional classroom, it vibrates to the beat of its own drum and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
To teach or not to teachMy first day as a substitute teacher I was asked to be a long-term substitute in AP Biology, Biology and Physiology. Lucky for me, I switched majors three different times in college so it actually paid off to have a plethora of courses under my belt. I was approved by the state and began my journey. As a constant sub in Calistoga I was able to sub in every classroom aged K-12. I went on to be another long term substitute for the court and community schools of Napa. It was here that I learned a lot about myself. My benevolence and passion began to grow. I realized that I work really well with kids, sure, but I found I work exceptionally well with kids who struggle. Most education professionals would deem this crowd as the marginalized and disenfranchised children, I think they just need a little extra love. It was at this moment in my career that I knew this is where I am and want to be. I run a very complex yet comprehensive and compassionate school with an emphasis on a safe learning environment. As far-fetched as this statement may be; I think Alternative Education will be the future of school districts. Whether it may be two or three separate classrooms or programs, it will be the future. The realization is that the digital world is taking over and we are going to have to help save the children who do not advance as quickly into the online world. With that being said, I hope people understand that technology will take over content delivery, but will never take over the social emotional aspects of the human condition.
Alaskan NativeI was born in Kodiak, Alaska and when I say that it is a small fishing village, keep in mind that the same doctor that delivered my father, delivered me. I grew up all over Alaska from Wasilla to Juneau. I am very outdoorsy and find my peace of mind in nature. My family moved to Washington state while I was in high school and I went on to obtain my Bachelor’s Degree from Central Washington University, go wildcats! I then moved back to Alaska and began to travel. I have been all over the world from Australia to Germany, Peru, Costa Rica and Central Americas, Mexico, France, The Netherlands and many more. I appreciate all cultures and I think that helped me to become the compassionate and patient educator and role model that I am today. I am proud to be a Native American and I think it helps working with minorities, as my current classroom population is of hispanic and latino descent. My alternative school is nothing like a regular or traditional classroom, it vibrates to the beat of its own drum and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
To teach or not to teachMy first day as a substitute teacher I was asked to be a long-term substitute in AP Biology, Biology and Physiology. Lucky for me, I switched majors three different times in college so it actually paid off to have a plethora of courses under my belt. I was approved by the state and began my journey. As a constant sub in Calistoga I was able to sub in every classroom aged K-12. I went on to be another long term substitute for the court and community schools of Napa. It was here that I learned a lot about myself. My benevolence and passion began to grow. I realized that I work really well with kids, sure, but I found I work exceptionally well with kids who struggle. Most education professionals would deem this crowd as the marginalized and disenfranchised children, I think they just need a little extra love. It was at this moment in my career that I knew this is where I am and want to be. I run a very complex yet comprehensive and compassionate school with an emphasis on a safe learning environment. As far-fetched as this statement may be; I think Alternative Education will be the future of school districts. Whether it may be two or three separate classrooms or programs, it will be the future. The realization is that the digital world is taking over and we are going to have to help save the children who do not advance as quickly into the online world. With that being said, I hope people understand that technology will take over content delivery, but will never take over the social emotional aspects of the human condition.