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March 1 was Employee Appreciation Day! We're celebrating our team members all month long by sharing their stories. Read more about Shawna Davis, Substitute Teacher at Rivermont Schools Hampton East campus. 

What is your favorite thing about working here?     

 My favorite aspect is often the chance to make a meaningful impact on these students' lives. The ability to witness progress, build connections, and contribute to their development is incredibly rewarding.  

What keeps you coming to work each day?   

What motivates me to keep coming back are the small victories and improvements I have observed in each student.  

How do you make an impact on students’ lives?   

How I make an impact is by tailoring my teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each student and fostering a supportive and inclusive classroom culture.  

Last year, we rolled out our Better Together guiding principles. Which one of our values resonates with you most personally and why? (Integrity, Accountable, Collaborative, Inclusive, Supportive.  

I resonate most with the "inclusive" guiding principle. Creating an inclusive environment promotes a sense of belonging for students with behavioral challenges and autism by fostering social and academic growth. For example, I have a student that ruminates over special dates and any special activities that we have. So, I implemented a monthly calendar with all the special dates with special symbols for each holiday and all the weekends are circled so that he knows that it is the end of the week. He enjoys this because it lets him be able to be in control and understand when activities will be taking place and ending.  

 What does a “day in the life” look like for your role?   

A typical day before the student arrives might involve planning lessons that cater to each student's individual needs and goals. When the students arrive, we start our day with a welcoming greeting and asking each student how their night and morning was, and we check in on how they are feeling using visuals or voice prompts. This step is important because it gives us a projection of how the day might go. Then, we go over the calendar board/weather board with corresponding videos. Afterwards, we start working on our course subjects followed by ten-minute brain breaks before transitioning into the next subject. During lunchtime, the students will eat while watching an educational video like Sid the Science Kid, or read books aloud. After lunch we read and work on Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals before getting on the bus to go home. As we walk the students to their destinated transportation, we give each student positive reassurance and remind them to have a wonderful night!  

Can you talk a little bit about your career trajectory and what led you to where you are now?   

I have always wanted to make a positive impact and I have always believed all people should be treated fairly. I find joy in making these students' lives better and letting them know that here at Rivermont, we care!   

 What has been your proudest moment or accomplishment in your role? 

As a teacher in special education with a focus on behavioral interventions, my proudest moment came when I successfully implemented a personalized behavior intervention plan for a student and witnessed significant positive changes in their behavior and overall well-being.    

What is something about you that few people know?  

I'm the 10th Avenger! All jokes aside, one thing many people do not know about me is that I am a foodie, I LOVE delicious food with a beautiful, tabled presentation. My favorite food is Italian, anything pasta!