Summit Academy– Cincinnati science teacher and intervention specialist Tremaine “Tre” Davis received Master Teacher certification by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and State Board of Education of Ohio in April. The prestigious voluntary designation, based on the Ohio Standards for the Teaching Profession, requires candidates to undergo a rigorous, evidence-based process.
Known for supporting students and staff with educational resources, mentorship, social and emotional understanding and a listening ear, Davis says he pursued the certification to take his educational license to the next level.
“This is one step in that direction,” says the 21-year educator, describing how the application process requires candidates to specify how opportunities for growth in professional development, classroom management and student-centered instruction are implemented.
“The most satisfying aspect of the process for me was reflecting on the work that I have accomplished through the years. I remember when and why I created certain documents because the resources were not available,” says Davis. He draws on the example of an interactive worksheet on cellular genetics he created for student participation during the COVID-19 school shutdown, and subsequential asynchronous learning.
True to his commitment to support Summit Academy – Cincinnati students with consistency and at the highest level, Davis says patience is paramount in teaching.
“I feel that educators must be patient enough to model how our young scholars should conduct themselves. Certain behaviors and skills are not inherently intuitive,” he says.
Brought up in a family of sages and scholars, the most influential of whom is his mother, Charlene Davis, Davis says he is grateful for the opportunity to work with diverse learners and dedicated educators who put students’ needs first.
Summit Academy – Cincinnati Principal Erwin McIntosh says he was “ecstatic” to learn Davis received the Master Teacher credential.
“Master teacher fits him well because not only does he teach our students, but he coaches our teachers,” says McIntosh. “He is a wonderful teacher and person.”
Davis earned his Bachelor of Science from Drexel University in 1998 and his Master of Education from Antioch University McGregor in 2012.
The Ohio State Board of Education Educator Standards Board noted in its formal Master Teacher designation notice to Davis, “We commend your active leadership and positive impact on teaching quality and student achievement in your school. We also applaud your passion for engaging students in instruction that is interesting, relevant and appropriate to their needs.”