HONORING DAVID DAVIS, 2026 MINNESOTA TEACHER OF THE YEAR

On 2026-07-02, Representative Kelly Morrison (D-MN-3) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING DAVID DAVIS, 2026 MINNESOTA TEACHER OF THE YEAR" in the House.

HONORING DAVID DAVIS, 2026 MINNESOTA TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 110 (Thursday, July 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 110 (Thursday, July 2, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E649] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING DAVID DAVIS, 2026 MINNESOTA TEACHER OF THE YEAR ______ HON. KELLY MORRISON of minnesota in the house of representatives Thursday, July 2, 2026 Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate David Davis, instrumental and general music teacher at Park Spanish Immersion Elementary in St. Louis Park, on being named the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Mr. Davis exemplifies the creativity, dedication, and innovation that define Minnesota's educators. Throughout his 16-year career, including the past five years at Park Spanish Immersion Elementary, Mr. Davis has inspired students to develop their creativity, confidence, and love of learning through music. A graduate of Lawrence University and the University of St. Thomas, Mr. Davis continues to hone his expertise through graduate coursework in Change Leadership at the College of St. Scholastica. Mr. Davis has reimagined music education by designing a curriculum centered on student voice, creativity, and cultural responsiveness. At Park Spanish Immersion, Mr. Davis guides his students to compose original music, collaborate with one another, and connect their learning to their identities, families, and communities. His curriculum is rooted in his belief in ``inherent brilliance,'' creating classrooms where teachers and students learn alongside one another as partners in discovery. Beyond the classroom, Mr. Davis has earned national recognition for advancing innovative and inclusive music education. He was the first Minnesotan to be selected as a Top 25 semifinalist for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award and has received honors including the Give A Note Foundation Music Education Innovator Award, the Music for All Elementary Excellence Award, and Yamaha's ``40 Under 40'' recognition. He also serves on the National Association for Music Education's Council of Innovations, participates in the Minnesota Department of Education's Culturally Responsive Arts Education cohort, and leads the Changemakers in Music Education project, expanding access and opportunity for students across Minnesota. Mr. Davis's recognition as Minnesota Teacher of the Year reflects not only his remarkable talent as an educator, but also his unwavering belief in the growth potential of every student. His work reminds us that great teachers do more than impart knowledge, they inspire curiosity, foster a sense of self, and empower young people to see themselves as capable learners, artists, and leaders. On behalf of the people of Minnesota, I congratulate David Davis on this well-deserved honor and thank him for his outstanding dedication to the students, families, and educators of our state. ____________________