M.AL.E. Participant/Teacher Honored in Bessemer

Willie Davis III, third-grade lead teacher at Charles F. Hard Elementary School and Bessemer City Schools in Bessemer, Ala., is the latest recipient of the Teacher of Honor Award from Kappa Delta Pi, National Honor Society in Education. Davis joins a select group of educators who have been recognized with this honor.

An elementary teacher in Bessemer City Schools for the last 5 years, Davis currently teaches third grade at Charles F. Hard Elementary. He serves in several leadership roles, including grade-level chairperson since 2018, STEM Fair chairperson, Leader in Me Leadership Environment Action team leader, and Problem Solving Team member, among others. Davis also is an active member in the Alabama Education Association and is Association representative for his school.

For the 2020–2021 academic year, Davis was named both Bessemer City Schools and Charles Hard Elementary Teacher of the Year. Principal of Charles F. Hard, Dr. Armentress D. Robinson, lauded his positive attitude and excellent rapport with faculty and students: “On a daily basis, Mr. Davis works diligently with scholars, exposing them to the magnificent world of learning. He is a team player and makes contributions on a daily basis to improve the quality of the school.”

This is echoed by Cynthia Donald, City of Bessemer District 3 City Councilor, who stated, “Mr.  Davis serves as a champion for students inside and outside the classroom. He inspires them to lead and serve their community.”

Among the many ways that Davis has contributed to bettering the community is by organizing an annual Thanksgiving food drive for the past four years to benefit school families, as well as Bessemer residents, with the number of families participating continually increasing. 

“This is a result of his ability to identify a need, create a plan, garner community support, and get  results,” added Donald, who works with him on the food drive. “He understands that a true  leader serves others.”

He earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Montevallo and is studying to earn a master’s degree in elementary education at Alabama A&M University, with an expected May 2022 graduation. Davis is also a scholarship recipient and participant in the Males for Alabama Education (M.AL.E.) program at Alabama A&M University.

Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) established the Teacher of Honor award in 2008. To earn this designation, an educator must have more than three years of classroom teaching experience; demonstrate a commitment to integrity and high standards in the classroom; and submit evidence of  professional development, leadership, community service, and exceptional contributions to the education profession. The award recognizes teachers of all levels, from early childhood  instructors to university faculty members. For more information, visit KDP. 

                                                                                                                            - christopher@kdp.org