Tanya Davidson is our new Upper School English Language Arts teacher. She comes to Livingston Classical Academy with a robust background that includes a BA in Literature and Philosophy from the University of Detroit Mercy, as well as an MA degree in Library and Information Science. She has taught college courses on the topic of research and writing structure, and she worked with the high school seniors of Cristo Rey Academy in Detroit as they prepared for their transition into college.
Read below to hear what she had to say…
What is your classroom philosophy?
My classroom philosophy is driven by a connection to words and their impact on the world. Literature teaches us about where we have been, where we are, and the limitless possibilities of where we can go. Composition teaches us about who we are – the words we choose and the ways in which we put them together can have the power to change our lives and the lives of the world around us. My goal is to foster this respect and understanding in the students at LCA, so that they may take these skills and create a just and prosperous life that enhances their communities.
How do you work best?
I believe that we work best when we help lift each other up to our highest potential, and I look forward to working with the students and their guardians to accomplish that. I will always be available to assist with any questions, and I am always willing to work on strategies to help our students succeed.
What teachers inspired you to do the work that you do today?
I had two very influential teachers growing up: One of them wasn’t even my teacher, but he overheard me complaining about how much I hated reading Tess of the d’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy. He called me into his study hall later that day (I thought I was in trouble!) and he read it to me. He read it with passion, and inflection, and with different voices for the characters. It completely changed the way I approached the classic canon because his reading of it brought life to what was, until that point, very one-dimensional for me.
The other teacher that influenced me was my English Teacher senior year because he pushed all of the students to realize their potential. He expected a lot from us and made sure that we delivered. It wasn’t until I was much older that I realized how valuable his expectations were!
What do you do outside of the classroom?
Outside of the classroom, I spend time with my family and friends. I also enjoy reading, crafting, hiking, gaming, and household DIY projects that are way too big for me to handle on my own (but I always end up learning a lot of important lessons along the way)!