Debreon Davis sets the stage for future learning by establishing high levels of expectations and personal accountability of her students—and they don’t want to disappoint her. Recognizing her track record of achievement, she was recently appointed the new principal at Edmond North High School in Edmond, Oklahoma, to begin the 2017-18 school year. As the former Assistant Principal of the Freshman Academy at Edmond Memorial High School, Davis crafted a clear vision and goal for the students, parents and teachers: an inclusive and effective environment based on reinforcement, collaboration and guidance to help incoming freshman transition into high school. Additionally, she visited eighth-grade teachers at the feeder schools to identify struggling students in math and reading, and developed appropriate academic strategies for their success once they entered high school. Student-centered practices are hallmarks of Davis’ leadership, which she has already begun replicating at Edmond North High School.
From detailed data analysis of student acumen to teacher collaboration, from technology and STEAM integration to remediation initiatives, students of all learning abilities improved their academic performance and attitude under her leadership. She enhanced the “Bulldog Mentors” program pairing freshman with upperclassmen, who share their secrets to success such as short- and long-term academic planning or how to calculate your GPA. With positive support, Davis turned discipline issues into learning experiences rather than punitive consequences. Students trust her best intentions—absenteeism, tardies and behavior referrals all trended downward as a result of increased student engagement, parent communications and teacher interactions.
Teachers saw a supportive partner in Davis who changed the dynamics of the Freshman Academy. She championed their personal and professional growth by encouraging development opportunities at school and throughout the Edmond Public Schools system. Davis chairs the professional development committee and helps set the tone district-wide for what educators will do to meet the curriculum goals of Edmond Public Schools.
Davis is a leader on campus and off as a dedicated member of her community. Working with pre-teens and early teens, she mentors young adults through the local Young Life group and during summer camps in other states. Davis also volunteers as a board member of the Oklahoma City Dream Center, a non-profit offering people isolated by poverty access to services that meet basic needs and get them back on their feet as well as preventive programs for at-risk youth.
Davis earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from University of Central Oklahoma in 2008, and her Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from Southern Nazarene University in 2011.
Press release: Administering success through creative discipline earns Debreon Davis a $25,000 Milken Educator Award
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