It’s safe to say that we have all experienced at least one inspirational teacher who helped us to understand their subject more and taught us to become a better person. The best teachers pass on this burning enthusiasm to their students, inspiring students to view the subject through refreshed lenses and to see things from a different perspective. Some inspired students have even gone on to become teachers, which is the case for one of Swainsboro Middle School’s most encouraging educators, Tylan Davis.
“I was born and raised in Milledgeville.” He shared, “I was almost named Tyrone after my dad, but at the last minute my parents decided they wanted a more unique name for me while still keeping it similar.”
After graduating from Baldwin high school, Davis attended college at the University of Georgia where he was given the opportunity to travel all over the country with the renowned Redcoat Band. Additionally, he witnessed the Georgia Bulldogs win two National Championships!
Before venturing into his professional career, he taught band camps at Social Circle middle and high school, his alma mater, Baldwin high school, and Walnut Grove high school.
“Throughout college I had many opportunities to travel to various schools to teach individual and group lessons to band kids. I completed my senior practicum for my bachelor’s degree at Malcom Bridge middle school in Oconee County teaching sixth through eighth grade band.”
In April of this year, Davis was hired as the Band Director at Swainsboro Middle School. When asked what drove him into this profession, He explained, “I chose this profession because I feel that I have learned so many valuable life lessons through school and I want to extend that guidance out to the youth of today. Because of my upbringing, surroundings, and great teachers in school I have been able to experience great things I never thought I would in life. I want to give that same opportunity to my students.”
Although this is Davis’s first year as a teacher, he likes to consider the four years that he attended college as well because that’s when his time as a classroom instructor began. Throughout that time, he received two scholarships - one of which was awarded for his outstanding leadership in the UGA Redcoat band and the UGA Trombone Studio.
When asked what he loves most about Swainsboro Middle School, Davis said, “I have only been working for a month, but I have already felt so welcomed and supported by my school and staff. Everyone is so nice and easy to talk to and go to for advice. I am so lucky to be surrounded by people who want to see everyone succeed.”
It was these same fundamentals that first inspired him to become the uplifting, inspirational teacher that he is today.
“As I mentioned before, I've had many amazing teachers. The most influential ones were all of my previous band directors. My middle school band director believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. My high school band directors showed me what it meant to have discipline and to be persistent about improving myself. My band directors in college enabled me to experience greatness at levels I never thought possible. All of these experiences have led me to become a band director and try to do the same thing for my students.” he said with a smile.
In addition to teaching, Davis’s passions include watching movies and tv shows.
“One of my favorite movies of all time is Interstellar, because I am a huge space nerd. I’m a huge Star Wars fan as well. I also like to travel, hang out with friends, go to the gym, and play video games.” He concluded.
Now that you’ve met the teacher and read his story, read his Q/A’s below to further understand Tylan Davis’s incredible values of teaching and how he’s changing and inspiring young lives in our community. Interview conducted by Brittany Hall.
What have you found most rewarding in your career?
Davis: The most rewarding thing about being a middle school band teacher is seeing the “light bulb” moment happen with a student. That moment when you show them something and they figure out how to do it, or that moment during class where everyone plays very well after hours of hard work getting to that point. It is so fulfilling knowing that for many students I am the one jumpstarting a potentially lifelong passion for music. As a first-year teacher that fact can also be daunting at times.
Do you feel that each of your students have left a lasting impression on you?
Davis: In the short time that has passed since the beginning of the semester I already feel impacted by my students. They are so silly and very sweet. Some students have given me small gifts, candy bars, and even drawings. They may seem small, but it makes my day and reminds me that even if I feel like I had a bad day as a teacher, the students still appreciate me.
What advice would you like to give to new or upcoming educators?
Davis: I am a new educator myself, and the biggest thing I have learned since starting is that it is never too early to prepare. The more you can get done before class starts the smoother things will go. Also, knowing that no teacher starts out being amazing goes a long way. I have had plenty of older teachers reach out to tell me that the first year is the hardest, and not to let it get me down. It also really helps to have a mentor. Someone who has been in the teaching field for years that can tell you the best way to be an effective teacher.
If you could tell your past students or future students one thing that you hope will stick with them all throughout life, what would that be?
Davis: Never give up on yourself. Being great at something is hard and you are going to fail. But failure is a great teacher and if you can learn from the failure, you can overcome it. I still have to tell myself this everyday. It is the greatest piece of advice I can offer.
What’s a favorite memory or some of your favorite memories that you have from your time as an educator?
Davis: A favorite memory of mine has been testing fifth graders for instruments. Seeing the surprise and joy in their faces when they realize they can make a sound on an instrument is truly something unforgettable.
Tylan Davis was nominated by the Emanuel County Board of Education as August’s phenomenal local teacher for Durden Banking Company’s monthly Teacher Spotlight column. Once a month, a teacher is selected by the Board of Education to celebrate the inspiration that they are to the youth of our community.
“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires” – William A. Ward
