Nelda Davidson: Meridian Teacher of the Year

By By Georgia E. Frye / staff writer
Jan. 20, 2004
Nelda Davidson, a Marketing Management Technology teacher at Ross Collins Career and Technical Center, was named Meridian public school Teacher of the Year.
Meridian educators call Davidson, a 23-year teaching veteran, one of the best teachers in her field. They planned to surprise Davidson with the announcement today.
Meridian School Superintendent Sylvia Autry also praised Davidson.
Davidson's honor means she will compete for the Mississippi Teacher of the Year award. Davidson boasts several academic achievements, including National Board Certification.
She has a master's degree in vocational education and in marketing and cooperative education. She is a Meridian Community College and Mississippi State University graduate.
Professional memberships include the national Association of Career and Technical Educators, the Mississippi Association of Career and Technical Educators and the Meridian Public Schools Superintendent's Council.
Davidson, in her application for the award, said she couldn't imagine herself doing anything other than teaching.
She said she also believes her greatest contributions to teaching are the students that she has taught over the years. Her philosophy is that all students should be prepared for gainful employment when they leave Ross Collins.
Another administrator, Archie Scarbrough, executive director of facilities for Meridian public schools said in his award recommendation letter how teachers in the district feel about Davidson.