Every little thing Kristy Davis touches is golden, but don’t expect her to sweep into a room with grandeur like Galinda in Wicked. Davis is more unassuming, the type who spreads her pixie dust behind the scenes, and makes magic happen.
Davis is an elementary Curriculum Coordinator at Bossier Schools, best described as a “teacher’s teacher,” who works behind the scenes to guide instruction and help them excel in their classrooms. As a 30-year educator, most of that time spent teaching at Platt Elementary, Davis shares her wealth of knowledge throughout the district in a way that has won the hearts of her colleagues.
“She takes the time to build trust and earn the respect of teachers before offering her insights,” said Benton Elementary Principal Kim Hawkins. “During her most recent visit, she joined one of our team meetings, and the impact was undeniable. The teachers left the meeting energized, confident, and excited. One even said to me ‘I am SO excited to teach this!’ Kristy’s role is not an easy one – she is sometimes tasked with delivering information that may not always be popular, while also serving as a source of support for teachers. Yet, she manages to balance these responsibilities with grace, empathy, and encouragement, leaving a lasting positive influence on our staff.”
Platt Principal Cathy Turner echoes Hawkins’ sentiments, adding “One of the things I admire most is how well Mrs. Davis builds relationships. She makes people feel heard, respected, and valued. I am always amazed at how well she knows my teachers. She will often ask about their lives, kids, and even their pets. Because she takes the effort and time to create these relationships, our teachers know they can count on her. That kind of connection makes a huge difference in how our team works together and grows.”
Perhaps the greatest compliment to Davis is that two of her three children followed her lead and now walk in her footsteps as educators. It became a full circle moment when her daughter, Cailey, began teaching at Platt.
“As her daughter, I get a behind-the-scenes view of the late nights, the countless hours, and the unwavering dedication she gives to her job,” Cailey Davis avows. “She is the hardest worker I know, and she does it all while supporting the teachers around her with kindness, encouragement, and a smile on her face. I am a better teacher not only because she is my mom, but more importantly because she is my coordinator. She truly loves her work and it shows in the way she lifts others up!”
Not one to seek attention, instead choosing to celebrate others’ successes, imagine the shock when Davis was surprised at a large gathering among her peers with news that she was Bossier Schools’ latest Gold Star recipient. It was a moment that moved Davis to tears.
“What an honor to be recognized by the great leaders and teachers in our district!” Davis exclaimed. “This award has completely humbled me with gratitude. All of the glowing accolades from some of the people that mean the most to me in this profession will always be special to me, but the remarks from my daughter will always be my favorite! Knowing that she changed her career path because she wanted to follow in my footsteps will always be one of my greatest accomplishments as an educator.”
In an interview following the Gold Star announcement, we asked Davis about her career journey, what a Curriculum Coordinator does in the school setting, and what makes it rewarding. Here’s Kristy Davis in her own words.
Let's start with the year you started working at Bossier Schools and share with us your career journey. What grades you taught, where, and when you transitioned into Curriculum.
Davis: “I started teaching 5th grade at Platt Elementary in 1995. After two years in 5th grade, I moved to 3rd grade. I spent the next 24 years in a career that I absolutely loved! I really thought I would retire in my little classroom in Haughton. In 2021, I became the new Instructional Coach at R.V. Kerr for a year. Then I became a K-5 Literacy Facilitator supporting Apollo, Curtis, Platt, and Princeton. For the past two years, I have been a PreK-5 Instructional Coordinator.”
What did you love most about teaching? And what made you decide to leave the classroom and take a district role in Curriculum?
Davis: “My favorite part about teaching was watching students grow throughout the school year. Watching children's faces light up as they learn something new will never get old! I also loved building relationships with my students and their families in the Haughton community. Before I left the classroom, I was starting to teach children of previous students! How special is that!
When my youngest son went off to college, I decided to try something a little different. In 2021, I became the new Instructional Coach at R.V. Kerr Elementary. I loved this new challenging career. I loved digging into the curriculum and supporting teachers. After a year in this position, I became a Literacy Facilitator. In this position, I supported teachers with teaching literacy at several schools in the district: Apollo, Curtis, Platt, and Princeton. After two years in this position, an amazing opportunity presented itself by allowing me to become the new PreK-5 Instructional Coordinator for Bossier Schools. This is a dream job! I absolutely love it! I love coming to work every day to support the teachers at every single elementary school in our district!”
Not everyone knows what a Curriculum Coordinator does, so explain your role now, how you're a "teacher's teacher," and how that ultimately benefits students.
Davis: “A Curriculum Coordinator wears many hats! Not only do we make daily decisions concerning curriculum, we provide support with instruction in the classroom. Along with planning and implementing professional development for teachers, a coordinator works closely with teachers to improve instruction in the classroom. A coordinator also assists school leaders and teachers with interpreting data to help improve planning and instruction in the classrooms. My favorite part of this job is building relationships with the teachers in our district. Our teachers work so hard in their classrooms, and my goal is to help them with anything they might need.”
When is it most rewarding in your role? Is it when a school improves its SPS (School Performance Score) or smaller moments that are momentous to you?
Davis: “Smaller moments are the most momentous to me! I know that those small victories are what makes a difference in our district. When we have those victories, it is inevitable that the school's SPS will improve. When all of these things happen, the students are the ones that will benefit, which is the goal of every hard working educator in this district!”
You received glowing accolades from several principals you work with, and even your sweet daughter. How does that make you feel, especially knowing your daughter changed her career path to follow in your footsteps?
Davis: “What an honor to be recognized by the great leaders and teachers in our district! When I heard and read their words, it moved me to the point of tears! We have so many people in our district deserving of this award, and the fact that I was chosen does not go without notice. This award has completely humbled me with gratitude. All of the glowing accolades from some of the people that mean the most to me in this profession will always be special to me, but the remarks from my daughter will always be my favorite! Knowing that she changed her career path because she wanted to follow in my footsteps will always be one of my greatest accomplishments as an educator.”
Here's the fun part. Share a little personal lagniappe about yourself. What are your hobbies? What is something surprising people might not know about you? Anything on your bucket list that you have crossed off?
Davis: “I am happily married to my husband, Bobby, and we have 3 wonderful children. Out of my 3 kids, two of them are educators: Cody teaches social studies and coaches baseball at Minden High School, and Cailey teaches 2nd grade at Platt Elementary. Our youngest, Cole, is a senior at Louisiana Tech. I love to spend time with my family and friends, read, and travel to new places. My oldest son and I are on a quest to visit all 30 MLB baseball stadiums. I am on #12 out of 30, so I have a ways to go!”
Here's your chance to add anything I am not asking, people you want to thank, etc. The floor is yours!
Davis: “First of all, I want to thank all of the people that nominated me for this award. I am so surprised and shocked, but it means the world to me that you decided to honor me! I would also like to thank all of the people that have pushed me to be a better version of myself in this rewarding career. I worked with so many wonderful educators and administrators at Platt that helped me grow as a teacher. When I decided to change roles, several people pushed me to get out of my comfort zone, especially Amee Dart! I would also like to thank my amazing elementary curriculum team, the hardest workers I know, for helping me continue to grow in this profession. Lastly, I want to thank Bossier Schools for my rewarding career. You will never find a bigger fan of Bossier Schools than Kristy Davis!”
Editor’s note: Know someone who works for Bossier Schools that is deserving of recognition for going above and beyond? Nominate them for the Gold Star award, proudly sponsored for the 13th year by Bossier Federal Credit Union. Click here to tell what sets them apart and be watching for our next Gold Star surprise.