Ms. Davis was nominated for the New American Hero. Because of this, I asked her a few questions.

1. How did you become a teacher?

I received my undergraduate degree in History from McNeese State University and then went to graduate school at La Tech where I was a graduate teaching assistant in the History Department and doing historical research and writing. I decided to not pursue my Phd in History and to come back to Lake Charles where I wanted to teach History to middle school or high school students because I had so many college students who just did not learn history in their high school years. I wanted to share my knowledge and love of history with younger students.

2. What do you like best about teaching history and what is so important about teaching it?

I love being a History teacher and Historian and helping others learn the importance of history. A lot of people and students think history is boring or not important but a lot of times that is because they weren’t taught history the way history is supposed to be taught. It’s not memorizing dates and names, it’s about learning why something happened, how it happened, the perspectives of all the people involved and who were impacted by it, and most importantly how to not repeat the mistakes of the past. A lot of people believe history repeats itself but that just isn’t true – more often than not, people repeat the same mistakes of the past because they didn’t learn what to do or how to make a different choice based on the history of similar events.

History is one of those subjects you need to know for life. When taught correctly it teaches students how to critically think, analyze information, examine biases, corroborate evidence, and learn about the various perspectives of all people. It is so important to understand that one event or thing impacts people in many different ways. When dealing with U.S. History it is critically important for people to learn so they understand how our government works, the rights they have as citizens in the U.S. Constitution, and how they can use their voice and their vote in the future to make a difference in their communities, country, and ultimately in the world.

3. How did you feel when you were nominated for the New American Hero award?

Honestly, I was surprised and a little embarrassed. I teach because I LOVE History and teaching. I don’t do to win awards or applause from other people. I do it because I believe it is so important to get students engaged and excited about history and the world they live in. I do it because I want to make a difference in the world and I believe that by teaching students to how to use their voice and stand up for the things they believe are right and against injustices, discrimination, and inequality I can make a difference in the world. I’m honored to have been name the New American Hero for LCCA and I just want to make our school, students, and parents proud because I am proud of them.

4. What happens now that you’ve won?

I’ve won the award for LCCA but now I am in the running for the Louisiana Great American Hero award. I had a group of CSUSA state leaders come to observe my teaching a couple of weeks ago and I had to complete a packet discussing my teaching philosophy and why I teach. I will be going to Orlando, Florida with Dr. Quebodeaux, Mr. Simon, Mrs. Istre, and Mrs. Magness in October to the National CSUSA conference where they will announce the winners for the National Great American Hero and I think the state Great American Hero. No matter what I am proud to be the nominee from LCCA. There are a lot of great teachers who are part of the competition and we’re all winners as far as I am concerned.

5. What do you think makes you stand out from other teachers?

We have so many great teachers here at LCCA. I don’t think I stand out any more than others. I love what I do and I love my students. My passion for history and teaching is what drives me. I have the best job in the world where I get to come to LCCA every day and spend it with amazing students in my classroom learning about history and the world. I want our classroom to be a class students look forward to coming to and excited to be in. I try to make it interesting and engaging but also to have fun while we are learning. I love my students and LCCA and just want to continue being better than I was the day before. I want my students to know that I am always here for them whether it is for history or anything else and how proud I am of all the hard they work they do each day. I am so lucky and grateful that I get to do what I am so passionate about doing every single day and I just hope I can inspire my students to find what they are passionate about and to follow their dreams for the future.