Davidson wins SPS teacher of the year

Educator beats out 355 other nominees
Springfield Public School elementary teacher Robin Davidson was awarded Springfield Public Schools teacher of the year for 2023-24, on April 17. Davidson, who describes himself as a late bloomer, did not begin teaching until he was 33. Though he lives in Republic, he has taught for Springfield Public Schools his entire career. He’s also a member of the Republic Board of Education.

Davidson was nominated for the award anonymously, along with 355 others, and was asked to write two short essays, one being a biography and the other about his teaching philosophy. After a couple of weeks, he received news that he had been selected to move on to the next round. The next step in the process required him to make a 60-second video where he was to make a short message to share with fellow educators.

"The 60-second requirement was extremely difficult; after several attempts, I got it down to 68 seconds and sent it into the committee" said Davidson.

The committee invited him to an interview after that, along with five other finalists. On April 17 the SPS banquet was held, during which, Davidson received the news that he had won.

"I was stunned and humbled when they called my name,” Davidson said.

Davidson expressed his gratitude receiving the award but noted that the students are the most important part of the job to him.

"By far the greatest reward of winning this honor has been hearing from the students I have taught over the past two-and-a-half decades,” he said. “Their expressions of support and love have stoked the flames of this old white-bearded teacher like nothing else. My heart is full."

Because of his new accolade, Davidson has been invited to serve SPS in many different capacities. He will be an ex officio member of the board of the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, a member of the committee for the beginning-of-year launch program for the 2023-24 school year and will be a speaker at SPS summer school commencement.

"I’m a little overwhelmed, but deeply gratified by this honor,” said Davidson.

Davidson ended by talking about his teaching philosophy and shared a lesson that applies not just to the kids, but to every one of us.

"Self esteem is not to be found looking inward asking: ‘What’s in it for me,’” Davidson said. “It is to be found in high expectations and striving for something bigger and more important than yourself."