By Derrick Smith

Teaching is a profession that people decide to enter, not for the paycheck or notoriety. But instead, they see it as a way to make an impact on their world and help the younger generations. Stillwater’s Michael Davis says that is the exact reason he made that decision and he was also influenced by some of his teachers.

“I became a teacher as a way for me to give back to the community in which I grew up,” Davis said. “I graduated from Stillwater High School in the class of 1978, but at that time it was C.E. Donart High School. Teachers and coaches both inspired me. One was my high school basketball coach, Jim Kerwin, who just passed away last year.  He always instilled in me to ‘stay ready!’. This means that if you’re always ready, both on and off the court, as well as in the classroom, then you’re always prepared for whatever life brings your way.  Another great inspiration was Sue Ann Hoffman.  She taught me to always keep it real.  She always put her students first and supported every activity at the school.  Now I have had the privilege to teach alongside her for 30 years, as she just retired in May after 49 years of teaching. I also appreciate her, because she has always been one of my biggest supporters.”

Michael teaches Special Education for tenth through twelfth graders at Stillwater. In his thirty years of teaching at Stillwater, he has taught a variety of subjects.

“I have taught in all facets of special education,” he said. “Study skills, adaptive PE, students with emotional disabilities, as well as co-teaching various subjects.”

When he is in the classroom with his students, his students are not the only ones learning. 

“I enjoy working with the different students from many different cultures,” Davis said. “I teach them, but I also learn from them. I enjoy being around today’s youth and watching them progress in life.  It is probably most enjoyable when they come back to visit postgraduation, and I get to see and hear about their lives, their families, and their accomplishments since their days at Stillwater.”

When he is not teaching in the classroom, Davis enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, especially traveling and taking vacations. He also loves working out and staying fit.”