Wesley Davis

Cabot, AR | 7-12, Mathematics, 2021

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

I can recall how my high school calculus teacher motivated me to learn mathematics and inspired me to seek a career involving mathematics. I cannot think of a better way to be involved in mathematics than to teach and help inspire the next generation of teachers, engineers, statisticians, etc...

What has been the most transformative moment that affirmed your impact on STEM education?

While winning the PAEMST was definitely a highlight of my career and a transformative moment that affirmed my impact on STEM education, each year, I get to reconnect with former students who are moving forward in STEM careers. Sitting down to lunch or dinner with these students, and hearing about their experiences affirms my impact in STEM education. Whether they are in engineering, medicine, or a professor at a university, I know that I had an impact on their lives and careers. To me, that is what teaching is all about. These are the most transformative moments.

Using your platform as a Presidential Awardee, how do you hope to advance our nation in STEM?

As a Presidential Awardee, I hope to advance our nation in STEM by continuing to serve in the most important role in education - the classroom teacher. I hope to provide advice and guidance to younger teachers in STEM and to continue to promote STEM to the students I serve. I hope to provide perspective to leaders making important decisions regarding the future of STEM education in my school, district, state, and nation.

Biography

Wesley "Wes" Davis has been teaching mathematics for 28 years. For the past 13 years, he has taught juniors and seniors at Cabot High School. He has also taught at Cabot Junior High School North, eStem High School, Mills University Studies High School, Jacksonville High School, and North Pulaski High School. At Cabot High, Wes teaches Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, and AP Precalculus. He strives to make mathematics meaningful and relevant by using music, collaborative activities, and mnemonic devices. He writes songs to help his students learn and enjoy mathematics. Wes initiated the AP Statistics and AP Calculus BC programs at Cabot High. His students have won both regional and state awards. Each year, many of his students receive prestigious scholarships and military service academy appointments. He serves as the lead teacher for the AP/Honors mathematics courses and guided them as they transitioned the honors Precalculus course into the AP Precalculus course in 2023. Wes has served as both a reader and as a table leader for the AP Statistics exam. He has travelled around the state helping students prepare for the AP Statistics exam. He has served on state committees involving assessment and has represented the state at national assessment meetings. Wes has a B.S., summa cum laude, in mathematics and an M.S.E in mathematics, both from the University of Central Arkansas. He is a National Board Certified Teacher and is certified to teach secondary mathematics in Arkansas.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

The views expressed in awardee profiles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of NSF or the PAEMST program.