About Ms. Davis
I’m passionate about education, partnership, and making learning a joyful experience.
Hello!
I’m Michelle Davis, a dedicated 1st grade teacher. Over the last 15 years, I’ve been creating a nurturing environment where curiosity thrives and learning feels like an adventure. I believe every child deserves to be nurtured and cherished, and want to empower parents to become influential partners in their children’s education.
Current Roles
I teach 1st grade at John White Elementary School, which is part of Tucson Unified School District (TUSD). Go Bulldogs!! This year I taught the English Language Development (ELD) class of 22 first graders. I love teaching first grade because I think it is the most important year that starts them out in their schooling years. A lot happens in first grade: losing teeth, learning how to read, and creating number sense and importantly starting off with confidence in being themselves.
I am a teacher leader at the Center of Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers (CRR) at the University of Arizona working to attract, develop, and support mathematics teachers for the last two years. The CRR provides free and hybrid training opportunities for K-12 Arizona teachers of Mathematics. I have attended these workshops since 2019 because I believe it is important for me to be learning from other teachers and being a student.
I have spoken twice at the Mathematics Educator Appreciation Day Conference (MEAD) which is Arizona’s largest mathematics education event! Working with this team inspires me to be open to learning new ways and I get to learn all the time. I enjoy the collaboration and learning myself keeps me in the mindset of how my students feel and how I can be more attentive to their needs.
My Vision For Education
Dear Families,
At the heart of my teaching is a vision of education as a safe and inclusive space. It is a place where every child feels free to make mistakes, ask questions, and grow. I believe learning happens best when students feel valued, seen, and loved. This begins with building trusting relationships that allow each child to be brave, take risks, and confidently say, “This is hard, but I can do hard things.”
In our classroom, no one is left out or made to feel less than. Every student is an important part of our community, and we work together to protect and honor that sense of belonging. I strive to recognize what each child already knows so I can support them in reaching their next level academically, emotionally, and socially.
Education should feel hopeful and joyful. It should be full of curiosity and discovery. Whether it’s reading a book with a friend or solving a tricky problem, I want students to be so engaged that it doesn’t feel like work—it feels like fun. I also model what it means to be a learner by showing students that it’s okay to fall short. What matters most is how we make things right and grow from our experiences.
A teacher’s leadership is crucial to the community we build together each year. The older I get and the more comfortable I become in being myself, the better teacher I am. I have learned to pause, breathe, and let go of frustration in ways I couldn’t when I was younger. I have learned to pick my battles with care and respond with more empathy and less judgment, thanks to experience and reflection.
I remind myself often that I am either building or rebuilding a relationship, and that matters deeply. My goal is for each family to trust that I want what is best for their child in every way. I want each student to grow into a confident leader in their own unique way and to begin to discover their personal goals. At the same time, I believe in creating a shared goal—a joyful and connected classroom community where everyone enjoys working and learning together. I work hard to ensure each student feels welcome, valued, and comfortable enough to share and be themselves in our shared space.
I believe deeply in the power of a good education to change lives because it changed mine. I want that same opportunity for every one of my students.
With gratitude and purpose,
Ms. Davis