Assistant Principal Davis Improves MBHS with his Unique Perspective
As assistant principal at MBHS, Benjamin Davis assists the administrative team in dealing with discipline and attendance. He also specifically works closely over the special education department, facilities, and athletics. Davis’ positive perspective on how all students should be treated makes him a valuable administrator on campus.
Previous to working at MBHS, he had no other involvement with SLCUSD. Davis was an assistant principal at other high school sites, as well as middle school. He was a teacher at elementary and high schools, but primarily the latter. He taught physical education, health, government, and social sciences. This is his 19th year in education and his 12th year in administration.
It was not without incredible schooling that Davis found great success in his career. Studying and graduating from five colleges, as well as currently continuing his studies with University of Massachusetts Global online, Davis is well-rounded in his education. He holds a master’s degree in teaching, a major in political science with a focus on black politics, and a minor in African-American studies.
Clearly, Davis holds himself to a high standard when it comes to education. He holds MBHS to that same standard and regards it as the, “best public school option, probably in the state and maybe in the country.”As for MBHS students, he has incredibly realistic expectations and noble hopes for their futures.
“I want kids to be able to reach whatever kind of outcomes they desire, even if they don't know what they are yet. I don’t want there to be any barriers for them to get those outcomes,” said Davis.
Davis treats students with respect and that is mirrored in his direction.While students may put on a facade of good behavior around Davis, he had an explanation as to why it isn’t just a fake personality, “We build interpersonal relationships and then we have the relationships that society lays upon us.” Because of his title and the fact that he wears a tie on the daily, students may feel that they have to act accordingly when he’s around.
Davis, even when he has to discipline students, doesn’t abandon this level of mutual respect. Discipline is simply a part of the job as an assistant principal, but Davis found a certain joy in it, because saw it in a positive light.
“My goal is not to punish kids, but to help develop a relationship where kids can be successful and sometimes put some limits on behavior so they can get out of their own ways,” said Davis.
Davis’ unique perspectives and initiatives are congratulated by his fellow administrators. Principal Scott Schalde said, “I feel his level of thoughtfulness and advocacy for all students, but especially for those that are farthest from opportunity, is truly a gift to MBHS.”
Students may not always see the intentions behind every decision Davis makes, but he always has their best interest at heart. He is constantly paying attention to when students are successful and he roots for them all the time. He’s also paying attention to kids who are struggling and is often thinking about ways to help them be more successful.
Davis said, “I don’t necessarily always go and congratulate every single kid for being awesome everyday, but I’m very aware of how great they are.”
Davis encourages students to challenge themselves, to find an uncomfortable situation and submerge themselves into it. He wants them to take advantage of the small and sheltered community and campus, but to not be afraid of the broader world.