When you stand in the hallway outside Amber Davison’s classroom at Hoover High School, you can tell something special is happening inside, said Principal Sherry Poole.
“You hear student voices, laughter, and engagement in academics at high levels,” she said. No surprise then that her colleagues nominated her for the Gilder Lehrman Institute 2021 Iowa History Teacher of the Year… or that she won.
“Amber Davison is first and foremost a passionate educator who is continuously seeking to find ways to make her classes relevant and rigorous for all of her students,” said Poole. “Her colleagues look to Amber as a leader of their team, an advocate for students, and a creator of interactive and engaging lessons she is always willing to share with others.”
A panel of teachers, administrators, and scholars from Iowa selected her for the award based on her achievements in American history education and outstanding work and dedication.
All of the compliments and congratulations have had little impact on Davison’s ego. When asked how she felt about receiving the award, every sentence heaped praise on students, colleagues, and collaborators.
“We have an amazing staff at Hoover,” said Davison. “The knowledge of our teachers creates a place where you can constantly be pushed and given room to grow. Teaching is not a solo endeavor. Our Social Studies Professional Learning Community (PLC) at Hoover of Jeremy Avery, Jeanette Carrington, Christian Davison, and Madeline Wager helps me become a better teacher. So as nice as it was to be recognized, it’s all due to our collective efforts. ”
Hoover High School boasts 1,100 learners from all over the globe, said Poole. It’s one of the largest and most diverse schools in the state. Its diversity is what keeps Davison coming to work each day, even during challenging times.
“Being able to learn from and teach students from so many different countries every day has kept me in teaching,” Davison said.
The school also has some of the best and most versatile educators in the state, said Principal Sherry Poole, and Davison is a star among them.
“Amber Davison is first and foremost a passionate educator who is continuously seeking to find ways to make her classes relevant and rigorous for all of her students,” said Poole. “Her colleagues look to Amber as a leader of their team, an advocate for students, and a creator of interactive and engaging lessons she is always willing to share with others.”
Becoming the Iowa History Teacher of the Year comes with some perks. Davison will receive a $1,000 award, an archive of books and historical resources, an invitation to participate in a Gilder Lehrman MA course, and she is a finalist for National History Teacher of the Year!