Dr. Alicia Davis, EdD
Dr. Alicia Davis, is a passionate educator, mentor, and emerging educational leader with nearly two decades of experience in the field of education. She currently serves as a kindergarten teacher in the Maplewood Richmond Heights School District in St. Louis, Missouri, where she focuses on early childhood development, literacy instruction, and creating engaging learning environments for young students. With approximately eight years dedicated specifically to early childhood education and five years teaching kindergarten, Dr. Davis is committed to nurturing foundational academic and social skills while helping students build confidence and curiosity for lifelong learning. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Davis actively contributes to district initiatives that strengthen instructional practices and student outcomes. She has worked with the Emerson Literacy Grant and partnered with Opportunity Trust to help develop a district literacy plan aimed at improving reading achievement. Her leadership extends to facilitating technology training for educators, participating in classroom walkthroughs through her Principal Ibternship, and collaborating on district committees that support instructional improvement throughout her career. Through these efforts, she has begun integrating leadership into her teaching career while preparing to transition into a building-level administrative role. Dr. Davis earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Maryville University of Saint Louis in 2024, along with a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the same institution and a Master of Arts in Elementary Teaching from the University of Phoenix. She also holds principal certification and multiple teaching credentials in elementary and early childhood education. A dedicated community member, she serves on the board of the Professional Women’s Group within Connections to Success, has volunteered to serve families at the Ronald McDonald House, and leads a life group, alongside her husband, through her church. In recognition of her leadership and service, she received the Dennis and Judy Jones Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025. Inspired by her own experiences as a student, Dr. Davis is deeply committed to representation, mentorship, and empowering the next generation of learners and educators.
• SCGN Leadership Lab Certificate
• Early Childhood Certification
• Elementary Education Teaching Certificate
• Principal Certification
• Apple Teacher Certification
• MLDS Aspiring Leaders Cohort
• Maryville University of Saint Louis - EdD
• University of Phoenix
• Fontbonne University
• Dennis and Judy Jones Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2018 Tribute to Success Award Recipient
• Professional Women's Group of Connections to Success (Board Member)
• Opportunity Trust Innovative Leader Program
• MLDS Inspiring Leaders Cohort
• Dress for Success - Professional Women's Group (Mentor and Speaker)
• Church Life Group Leader
• Ronald McDonald House (Volunteer)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a simple refusal to give up and a deep-seated mission to make a difference. Growing up, I didn't have a guide for the academic heights I’ve reached; being the first in my family to graduate college and obtain a doctorate required me to build my own path from the ground up. I do this work for my daughters. My goal is to be their blueprint—to show them, through my actions and my impact, that perseverance isn’t just about working hard, it’s about creating a future where their own achievements have no limits.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve learned that leadership isn't something you 'put on' when you walk into an office—it’s a lifestyle you choose every day. Early in my teaching career, I thought leadership was a rank to be achieved. Now, I understand that it is actually found in the way we act, the way we listen, and the way we lift others up. You don’t need a specific role to lead; you just need a commitment to serve. For me, leadership is a daily practice of showing up with purpose and ensuring that every interaction leaves someone better than I found them.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to remember that leadership is a lifestyle, not just a position. You do not need a formal title to lead or to make an impact. Focus on living out leadership in your daily actions, decisions, and the way you support others. Wherever you land in your career, find ways to lead, contribute, and positively influence those around you.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is transitioning from the classroom into building-level leadership. After spending 18 years as an educator, moving into roles such as assistant principal or principal can be difficult because many of these positions require prior leadership experience, which creates a challenging cycle for educators trying to take that next step.
Because of this, I have had to become creative in how I approach the transition. Networking, mentorship, and reworking my resume have been essential in helping me highlight the leadership skills I have developed through my years in the classroom. By thoughtfully framing my experiences and demonstrating the leadership embedded in my teaching roles, I am working to position myself for opportunities in school leadership.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are family and relationships. Family is at the center of everything I do, and it shapes the way I approach my career and my interactions with others.
Building strong, meaningful relationships is also a core value for me. It guides how I support my students, colleagues, and community, and it is the foundation of the impact I strive to make every day.
Locations
Maplewood Richmond Heights School District
Saint Louis, MO 63134