Home of the Patriots!
Alvin Davis
Miramar High School band teacher Alvin Davis was honored Tuesday morning at the White House as one of four finalists for National Teacher of the Year. Rebecca Mieliwocki, an English teacher from California, won the top honor.
President Barack Obama made the announcement during a White House ceremony.
Alvin Davis
"Is it possible for a man who teaches about B flat – and never lets the band be flat – to make such a difference that it helps turn a whole school around?"
[Listen to the whole Charles Osgood podcast about Alvin Davis, finalist for National Teacher of the Year]
Sorry, CBS News makes you watch this video directly on YouTube. Follow the link.
(CBS News) If you worry about the future of our kids, listen to the story of Miramar High School. Miramar was one of the worst schools in Florida, but in 10 years, with a new administration and dedicated teachers, it’s now among the best. Leading the way is Alvin Davis, the band director, who is now a finalist for National Teacher of the Year.
***
"I see every report card. I see every interim, and if the grades aren’t up to par, they’re gonna take a break from being in my program," Davis said… Ninety-percent of Miramar students graduate, but nobody beats the band. For four years in a row, 100 percent of the band has graduated and gone on to college. Davis said his kids would probably describe him as "rough."
"His number one priority and goal is to get all of us to college," said Sandra Romero, a member of the band.