Booker High School touts county Teacher of the Year

To the county, Khea Davis is the Teacher of the Year, but to her students she's their school mom who doesn't wear shoes in the classroom. 

Booker High School Khea Davis was presented with the award for Teacher of the Year for Sarasota County Schools Tuesday, March 22 at a luncheon at Michael's On East. Davis was among three finalists, Kristina Beecher, Woodland Middle School and Rolf Hanson, Bay Haven School of Basics Plus who were being recognized for their success in the classroom. 

A total of 40 teachers from each school in district were recognized during the award ceremony. Each of the teachers were nominated by their schools, then interviewed and narrowed down to three finalists across the county before the Teacher of the Year was announced. During her interview, Davis shared with the committee that she wishes more teachers were allowed to feel at home in their classrooms enough to walk around barefoot like her. 

“When I kick off my shoes, I’m at home,” Davis said. 

Davis has been teaching for 19 years with two years in the language arts department at Booker High School. Her approach to teaching involves making students feel at home in her classroom. 

 “Once you step foot in my classroom you are now my child,” Davis said. “I am your mamma, your auntie, whatever you want to call me that’s who I am. As long as I go hard for my own kids, I’m going to go hard for my students as well.”

Principal Rachel Shelley was in attendance to celebrate the occasion with Davis and wasn't surprised to hear her colleague awarded the title of Teacher of the Year.

“She’s infectious and she’s also extremely modest,” Shelley said.  “We’re so fortunate to have her on our staff. Just like she encourages and motivates students but she’s inspiring and motivating young teachers too.”