The Texas Council of Teachers of English Language Arts (TCTELA) is thrilled to honor Ms. Latoya Davis as the 2025 Elementary Teacher of the Year. A passionate and innovative educator, Ms. Davis’s exceptional contributions to her students, colleagues, and community exemplify the highest standards of teaching excellence.

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Ms. Davis serves as a kindergarten teacher and team leader at Stafford Early Childhood Center (SECC) in Stafford Municipal School District (SMSD). A devoted wife and mother of three, she balances her personal life with her role as an educator with unmatched dedication. Her journey began in Georgia, but since joining SMSD, she has become a cornerstone of the school community. Her accolades, including being named SECC Teacher of the Year and SMSD District Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2023, reflect her extraordinary impact on student achievement and teacher leadership.

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As a leader, Ms. Davis has guided her kindergarten team through the challenges of implementing Amplify Texas and Eureka Math. Beyond curriculum leadership, she represented SECC nationally, presenting at the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) conference on improving student outcomes for underserved populations. Her expertise and vision extend to creating innovative initiatives like the Kindergarten Nursery Rhymes Olympics, a joyful and competitive event integrating state curricula with creativity and engagement.

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Ms. Davis’s classroom is a testament to her masterful teaching. Every corner and moment is used to enhance learning, often weaving multiple disciplines into a single lesson. Her creative approach includes modifying resources for students with learning differences and introducing STEM experiences across her grade level. For instance, she collaborated with the STEM teacher to design a lesson blending literacy, math, and science, where students built a beanstalk from recyclable materials—a perfect example of her interdisciplinary ingenuity.

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Her mentorship extends to her colleagues as well. Supporting new-to-campus teachers, she shares her expertise and provides tools to help others succeed. Equally dedicated to families, Ms. Davis partners with parents to support their children’s unique learning needs. Her commitment was evident during Open House, where she gave a live demonstration of the Texas Kindergarten Entry Assessment to guide a family in understanding their child’s progress. Her collaborative approach builds trust and ensures that each child receives the support needed to thrive.

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Ms. Davis’s leadership, creativity, and compassion have transformed the lives of her students and inspired her peers. By fostering a culture of excellence and innovation, she has set a standard for what it means to be an outstanding educator. TCTELA proudly recognizes Ms. Latoya Davis as the 2025 Elementary Teacher of the Year for her remarkable contributions to education and her unwavering belief in the potential of every child.