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EDITOR’S NOTE: The LaGrange Daily News is doing a Q&A with all of the teachers of the year in the Troup County School System. Today, we are writing about Becca Davis, a Ninth-grade AP Literature and Literature and Composition teacher at LaGrange High School.

We asked them 20 questions, and we shortened this interview to some of our favorite responses.

Becca Davis has been teaching for eight years with the Troup County School System, all at LaGrange High School.

Davis has been married to her husband CJ Arnold for eight years. The don’t have kids yet but have an energetic one-year-old Golden Retriever named Champ who keeps them on their toes.

Davis serves as an assistant coach for Varsity and JV Sideline and Game Day Cheer.

“I absolutely love watching our team grow and improve over the course of the season. It’s rewarding to see the hard work, determination, and teamwork pay off during performances and games. I enjoy supporting the athletes as they build confidence, develop skills, and bond as a team. One of the best parts of coaching is celebrating their successes, both big and small, and watching them take pride in representing our school,” Davis said.

Along with teaching and coaching full-time, Davis is pursuing her EdS in Instructional Technology and is expected to graduate in May. She is also working toward earning a leadership certificate. She has also owned and operated an online boutique for about ten years.

What inspired you to become an educator?

“I have wanted to be a teacher since kindergarten. My mom often reminds me of how I used to visit her office, sit at her desk, and re-enact my entire school day, “teaching” my little sister everything I had learned. I was also fortunate to have incredible teachers who inspired me to pursue this path—Ms. Hyatt and Mrs. Dangler, in particular, made a lasting impact on me with their dedication and genuine care for their students. These are qualities I strive to emulate in my own teaching.”

What are your career aspirations? 

“At the moment, I’m not entirely sure where my career path will lead. I am currently pursuing my leadership degree and have enjoyed observing some of the best principals, assistant principals, and other leaders in our district. Eventually, I would love to step into the role of an assistant principal. However, for now, I am truly enjoying my time in the classroom and the opportunity to work directly with students.”

If you weren’t a teacher, what career field would you be in? 

“I would probably be working at our family jewelry store or running my own brick and mortar boutique.”

What fictional character (from a book, movie, TV show, etc.) represents your teaching style?

“From what I’ve been told, the fictional character that best represents my teaching style is Miss. Honey from Matilda. Like her, I strive to create a supportive and comfortable environment where my students feel loved, valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.”

What’s the most creative/unique project one of your classes has worked on?

“Recently, my AP Lang class worked on a project where they chose a Disney villain and analyzed a speech or song from the movie using SPACECAT. I was blown away by how artistic and creative my students are! Many of them hand-drew their characters on their posters, and I was amazed at the level of detail, effort, and thought they put into their work. It was incredible to see their creativity shine while demonstrating their analytical skills.”

What’s the most rewarding part about your job? 

“The most rewarding part of my job is watching students develop a love for reading. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see them eventually find a book or series that resonates with them, sparking excitement and curiosity. When that moment happens, it truly warms my heart. However, the best part of my job is forming meaningful relationships with my students and watching them grow, both academically and personally.”

What’s the most challenging part of your job? 

“The most challenging part of my job is balancing the various responsibilities that come with being both a teacher and a coach. Between lesson planning, grading, coaching, and managing extracurricular activities, it can be tough to find time for everything. However, it’s a challenge I embrace.”

What did it mean to you to be named your school’s teacher of the year? 

“Being named Teacher of the Year means the world to me. It is such an honor to be nominated by my peers, and I truly appreciate the recognition. However, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my amazing work family. I owe them so much for everything they’ve done for me in the last eight years, and there are so many amazing teachers in our building who deserve this award.”

On a weekend or a summer day when school is out, what are your favorite activities? 

“On a warm weekend or summer day when school is out, you’ll rarely find me anywhere but in my pool, surrounded by friends and Champ. It’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy the sunshine with good company. Most of my weekends are spent with friends, reading, or just hanging out with Champ.”

As your students transition to the next grade or graduate in May, what is one key takeaway you hope they carry forward from their time in your class? 

“As my students transition to the next grade or graduate in May, I hope they know how deeply they are loved and how proud their teachers, family, and friends are of them. I also want them to remember that they can achieve anything they set their minds to as long as they continue working toward their goals with determination and perseverance.”