As Houston High School math teacher Anna Katherine Davis walks through the familiar halls of the school each morning, a wave of memories comes back. Davis is not only a teacher: She is also a proud graduate of HHS, and her commitment to her hometown shines through in her classroom where she sets high expectations for all of her students at her beloved alma mater.
Davis’ dedication to finding creative solutions to classroom challenges underscores her commitment to her students’ continuous learning. Never becoming complacent with her instructional practices, she integrates technology into her curriculum whenever possible and consistently adapts and evolves to meet the needs of her students by incorporating new apps, products and programs. Amid the challenges of the COVID pandemic, Davis wholeheartedly embraced technology in her mission to educate and engage her students. Using a smart panel along with Google Meet, a tablet and a laptop, Davis created a virtual classroom where students could be actively involved and receive real-time feedback. Her innovative approach was not only effective in mitigating learning loss during the pandemic, but it also became a catalyst for significant academic growth among her students.
Davis is a dynamic force in shaping the educational landscape beyond her classroom, as well. As the chair of the high school math department, she spearheads initiatives that elevate the quality of mathematical education schoolwide from after-school tutoring to mentoring fellow teachers within her department, as well as leading Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings. Her commitment to school improvement is evident through her active roles in various committees, including the Title I Planning Committee, the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) team, and the school leadership team. She also sponsors the Homecoming Court and senior play as well as coaches the archery team, an extracurricular activity she introduced to the school as a fun way to build self-esteem and a healthy, competitive spirit within her students.
Davis earned her Bachelor of Science in elementary education with an emphasis in mathematics in 2012 from Mississippi State University and a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in mathematics and social studies from Concordia University in 2015.
Press release: Third Mississippi Teacher Honored with National Milken Educator Award During Nationwide Tour Recognizing Excellence in Education
