- December 26, 2025
Matanzas High School Teacher of the Year Erin Davis is the school’s AICE coordinator, supporting teachers, students and families in the Cambridge AICE Diploma program. This is Davis’ 29th year in education. She also has taught at Indian Trails Middle School and Flagler Palm Coast High School.
Davis is a product of Flagler Schools, graduating from FPC in 1992. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Science Education from Florida State university in 1996.
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
My path to becoming a teacher was born out of loss, reflection, and ultimately, purpose. While studying at Florida State University, I experienced the tragedy of losing my boyfriend, Mike, to suicide. A professor at FSU, John Phillips, recognized that I was struggling and encouraged me to change my major to Secondary Social Science Education. His compassion and guidance helped me find my footing again. I realized that I wanted to be that same kind of support for young people — someone who looks for the quiet pain, the uncertainty, the potential, and helps students through it. Teaching became a way for me to transform grief into something meaningful, and I’ve never looked back.
How does the nomination make you feel?
It is incredibly humbling. I often pour so much into my students, teachers and the AICE program that I rarely stop to reflect on the impact. To be nominated means someone noticed the heart, effort and intention behind my work. It means the world to me.
What is your favorite thing about being a teacher?
Without a doubt, my favorite thing about being an educator is lifting others up. I love building relationships, creating systems that support success and ensuring that more students cross the finish line than when we started.
What is one thing you are taking away from this experience?
That the work we do, day in and day out, matters. Sometimes we get caught up in the crazy busyness of the job, but being recognized reminds me that every conversation, every email home, every support offered to teachers, and every opportunity created for students truly makes a difference.
Being a teacher can be challenging at times. What keeps you motivated?
Students keep me motivated. Their stories, their energy, their successes, and even their struggles remind me why I chose this profession. I also draw strength from the teachers I support — helping them feel confident and capable fuels my passion. Knowing that I help shape both student and teacher growth keeps me going.
What is a memorable experience that influenced the way you approach educating students?
The PBIS mentoring program I helped create early in my career had a profound impact on me. We called the at-risk seniors the “invisible students,” and that year, through relationship-building and advocacy, we helped 23 additional students graduate. That experience solidified my belief that every student deserves someone who sees them and believes in them.
If there was one piece of wisdom you could share with students, what would it be?
You are so much more capable than you realize. Don’t let fear — or what anyone else thinks — hold you back from the opportunities in front of you. Be brave, be true to yourself and when things get tough … do better.
Aside from your job, what are some other things you enjoy in your daily life?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, gardening and reading fantasy or crime fiction novels. I appreciate finding little moments of joy in everyday life — celebrating others, creating traditions and supporting the people around me. I love bringing that same spirit of connection and celebration into my work at Matanzas High School.
