DeSoto ISD Secondary Teachers of the Year

GAYLA DAVIDSON (7th Grade Science) DeSoto West Middle School

Ms. Davidson has eleven years of educational experience and has been employed in DeSoto ISD for the last four years. As a teacher, she enjoys students making the connection between the content to their everyday lives. Her inspiration is the realization that she is impacting future generations and creating the best global citizens she can. She has a creative teaching style that allows self-expression to learn course content and has noticed how students rise to the challenge once they know that you care about them and how important they are to the learning environment. Ms. Davidson teaches from the heart and is excited that her colleagues selected her as the best of the best this school year.

AMY JUSTICE (Secondary Science) District Alternative Educational Program (DAEP)

Ms. Justice has 30 years experience in education and brings an energetic fire to her students daily. Her greatest desire is that every student discovers they have unlimited greatness within themselves, that they are VICTORS and not victims, and has the ability to overcome any and all obstacles in life.

In addition to ensuring academic achievement, Justice believes that it is her calling to impact young men and women to positively impact the world. She uses data and student feedback to inform her instructional approach to ensure that students are academically growing and able to reach their highest potential.

Secondary School District Teacher of the Year

BRIAN

BECK-SMITH (AP Calculus

Honors

Precalculus)

DeSoto High School

A 15-year educator who has been with DeSoto ISD for 11 years, Mr. Beck-Smith was inspired to teach during his time as a college tutor. In his classroom, he is consistently noted for empowering students with knowledge and skills that can help them be successful in their future endeavors. He ensures that all students can achieve their highest potential by assessing where his students are academically to properly differentiate instruction.

LA’MIA STROMILE (6th-8th Grade Dance) Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School

Ms. Stromile has seven years of educational experience and has been employed with DeSoto ISD for five years. As a middle school teacher, Stromile is overjoyed to see her students grow and mature throughout the year. She aims to help them ensure they reach their highest potential by leading by example, inspiring their curiosity and holding them accountable, encouraging them to be the best version of themselves daily and to keep striving for excellence.