LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Arlinda Davis

Position: STEAM Teacher 7-12
School: Maranathan Academy
School District: Private
City, State: Birmingham , AL

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Music that Describes Arlinda

Arlinda Davis was nominated by Yasmin Jefferson, a member of the community.

"I am so happy to nominate Arlinda Davis for the LifeChanger of the Year award. Arlinda faced the challenge of the pandemic head-on, impacting the lives of her prospective students. Returning to teaching, she dedicated herself to instructing critically at-risk students, demonstrating her ability to impact their lives positively. I've witnessed Arlinda's work in assisting students dealing with trauma and those needing a supportive classroom environment," said Jefferson.

Mrs. Davis currently serves as the STEAM teacher, therapeutically applying STEAM principles. She transformed initially reserved, underconfident students with limited science experience into competitors in various competitions.

"What impresses me most about Arlinda is how she celebrates students right where they are. No matter the previous learning or life experiences her students bring to the classroom, Arlinda designs a safe learning environment for students to unpack those experiences and grow from them. Her classroom can be best described as a 'project-based healing' space in a community-based world. She has created a positive school atmosphere, and her students are excited about what's next," said Jefferson.

Mrs. Davis' commitment to nurturing goes beyond academics, encompassing education's social and emotional aspects. She serves as the Ambassador for the WE Teachers Ed+ Program, collaborating with educators on the Trauma-Informed Classroom.

"Over the years, I have witnessed her ability to reach each child, find the things that are not allowing them to achieve greatness, and help those students use it as a stepping stone," said Jefferson.

Mrs. Davis' leadership extends beyond her school, with a national presence in exploring and implementing innovative ideas. Recognized globally, her accolades include the Remarkable Woman Award, Walmart, Walgreens, and National University Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award. Despite her busy schedule teaching STEAM, conducting a homeschool class, and tutoring K-6 students, Mrs. Davis remains dedicated to making a difference in students' lives.

"Ms. Davis is a LifeChanger and game changer and deserves to be recognized for her love of students. Ms. Davis exudes all the qualities and more to be called the LifeChanger of the Year," said Jefferson.

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Comments (3)

Heather Soencer Holms Posted over a year ago

It’s hard to put into words the impact that Miss Davis (as we call her) has had on our son, family and community. When I think of her, I picture a lake where someone has just thrown a stone and I am left mesmerized as the beautiful ripples expand in unison, and the sunlight dances excitedly in all directions. This seems like the perfect metaphor of her teaching style. She merely throws out an idea, while the students enthusiastically reflect their own interpretations,with questions and thoughts. She is able to get them excited about learning, without fear of failure or ridicule while maintaining a high level of discipline within the classroom. The students feel safe and respect her authority, for they do not want to disappoint the one who challenges them with delightful facts. She takes the time, to know the child and the family. She knew my son before he was ever in her classroom. I have encouraged other parents who were frustrated with the school to hold out and wait for Miss Davis... and they have... and did not regret their choice. She continues to learn, grow, and strive to be a better teacher, when she is the BEST educator we have ever had. It’s been four years since my child was in her classroom and we often talk about how great she was and send her notes to let her know how much we appreciate and miss her. I know this doesn’t come off as “life changing” because I cannot come up with “the one single” event. Those happen everyday in her midst! Just knowing her, and her enthusiasm for teaching is life changing. Sincerely, Guthrie’s Mom Heather Spencer Holmes

DeJa Hill Posted over a year ago

I had the very fortunate pleasure of working alongside this intelligent , beautiful , educated black woman last school year. I didn’t know during my time at Avondale that I would lose my mother , Mrs Davis is the one who told me to keep calling the police until I got a answer , then hours later my mom was found dead. This lady helped me raise money to have my momma the funeral she deserved. A few days after my moms funeral , I was back at Avondale having a miscarriage didn’t know it , again she was there to love and hug on me. I have watched this lady teach children who couldn’t read , read. Children who came to school with holes in they shoes , she got them shoes. Nobody deserves this more than her. I thank you for everything you taught me , all the love you showed me , all the times you treated me to lunch , EVERYTHING. I love you , forever. Congratulations

Charisse Williams Posted over a year ago

If you look up the definition of life changer you will surely see a picture of Arlinda Davis. She doesn’t just make an impact inside the classroom, she has always had the gift of blessing anyone’s life she encounters. She is one talented individual who can tap into the needs of a person while giving them complete confidence in themselves to do whatever they set out to do. I’ve seen Arlinda take in complete strangers as her own and teach lessons deeper than a text book. She has dedicated her time to an organization by being the hostess of their events called The Greatest Love of All and Kid’s Speak Out. She is always donating something to a cause. Her heart is extremely big and she is truly heaven sent. Life Changer of the Year has Arlinda Davis’ name written all over it! Changing lives of many is just a small chapter in her life of what she has done.