Nicole "Niki" Davis, a sixth-grade teacher at Pioneer Crossing Elementary School (PCE), has been nominated for the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
Manor ISD Superintendent Andre Spencer extended his congratulations to Ms. Davis.
“I want to extend a heartwarming congratulations to Ms. Davis for being named one of three Texas semi-finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching,” he said.
Ms. Davis has a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance: Opera, from Frostburg State University in Frostburg, Maryland, but her career took another path.
“I had always wanted to be a private voice coach, but wasn't sure where to begin,” said Ms. Davis. “After graduation, I began working with my mother-in-law, who was a middle school teacher. I soon became a long-term substitute for special education students. I worked in this position for a year and a half and realized that I enjoyed working with students, so I went back to school to become a teacher. I attended the University of Maryland and completed the Master’s Certification Program in 2013. This program allowed me to become a certified teacher and receive my Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I have been teaching a total of nine years.”
Ms. Davis worked in Prince George's County Public Schools in Maryland before moving to Texas.
“I have been a part of the Manor ISD community for five years, starting at Pioneer Crossing as a fifth-grade teacher in the 2016-2017 school year. I left PCE to become an Instructional Coach at Presidential Meadows Elementary (PME) from December 2019 to September 2020. I returned to PCE in 2021 and currently teach sixth-grade Math and Science,” explains Davis.
“The scholars, my colleagues, and the administration I work with every day make teaching a breeze and PCE is an enjoyable place to be,” said Davis. “I am constantly challenged to put my best foot forward for all of my scholars each and every day, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work in this great school district!”
PCE Principal, Edwinna Flowers said this nomination is a tremendous honor for Ms. Davis, the campus, and the school district.
“Each year, the award is open to a certain group of educators. This year it was open to K-6 math teachers. I have worked with Ms. Davis for a few years, and she is continuously working to refine her practice,” says Flowers.
Davis was selected by the state committee as a semi-finalist and will compete with other Texas math teachers, hoping to be named the finalist for the state. The finalist will be selected next year, but if Davis is selected to be the math finalist from Texas, she will receive $10,000 and a certificate from the President of the United States as part of an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. If there is an in-person event next year, then Ms. Davis will receive her award directly from President Joe Biden.
PAEMST requires more than 100 hours of work, including submitting lesson plans, videos, reflections, and feedback. The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th-grade science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teacher may receive. Up to 108 teachers are recognized each year.
