Leslie Davis

Being an educator is an adventure and I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to be apart of this amazing journey. My teaching journey began 13 years ago when I joined the School of Education at Southern Nazarene University. I graduated with a Bachelors in Elementary Education in 2010. I quickly became involved in education in the surrounding schools. In 2011, I was given the great honor of teaching English overseas in South Korea. I taught K-8th grade from 2011-2012. When I returned to Oklahoma, I began my classroom teaching career in Putnam City as a 3rd grade teacher. I continued there for 2 more years as a 3rd and 2nd grade teacher. In 2014, I began my incredible job as a 1st grade teacher at Cleveland Elementary in OKCPS. I will be beginning my 7th year there in August. Teaching has completely transformed my life. Knowing that I am educating our future generation is overwhelming at times, but also exciting at the same time.

My heart is in teaching first grade. There is something about seeing them grow from the beginning to the end of the year that reminds me of why I became a teacher. I love to encourage their curiosity and see where it takes them. They challenge me to keep growing as an educator so that I can be the best for them. Some of my favorite memories as a teacher are when I just get to sit and talk to my students. I love listening to them speak about their passions and dreams. Being a first grade teacher also comes with its challenges. When those days occur, I am so very thankful for the team I have at Cleveland. I know that I am a better teacher because I get to work with some of the best teachers each day. Teaching is not a one-person job and I am thankful for a school and district that choose to put children first!