Becki Davis

Bio

Becki Davis is a third-year undergraduate student at Fitchburg State College, pursuing an interdisciplinary major in philosophy, art, and theatre. She was enrolled in the theatre studies program at Emerson College for two years prior, but found that the curriculum was not broad enough to fulfill her interests. Becki graduated from her hometown Chelmsford High School in 2003, and was very involved in the theatre guild and Girl Scouts during that time. She has worked as an art and theatre teacher at an educational enrichment summer camp for gifted students for several years, and enjoys working with children. Becki has also taken several American Sign Language classes and intends to continue, with the possibility of becoming an interpreter down the line. Her other interests include linguistics, crafts, and logic.

Educational philosophy

What is the purpose of education?

Education works to develop a child's mind beyond what one's parents can teach them. Early education prepares children for further education, teaching them patterns of daily study and exploration, as well as exposing them to a society of their peers. High school and college education cultivates personal interests, while providing students with the knowledge and skills to understand the world and make effective choices and actions. It exposes students to many ideas, views and events, and teaches them to think critically, seeing the world through the lens of all they've learned.

What is the role of the student in education?

The role of students is to find an aspect of interest in every subject they're taught, and to find connections between all the subjects and to the rest of the world. It is to seek out those nuggets of information that they find most interesting, and to understand their impact on the topic as a whole. It is to learn from their mistakes as well as their successes, and to learn who they are as a person and how to make the best of themselves.

What is the role of the teacher in education?

The role of the teacher is to see each student as an individual, and teach each student how they can learn better. It is to open students' minds to new ideas, as well as teaching them to understand the ideas they already have. A teacher should truly care about their subject, and teach students to care about it as well by showing them its relevance to other subjects and aspects of life.

What is the role of the teacher in the community?

Teachers have exponential influence. A teacher can have a huge influence on a student, who goes out into the world and makes an impact, and then has his own children and teaches them the worldview he's learned. Therefore, a teacher must be conscious of his or her actions, and actively engage students in subjects, providing them with opportunities and ideas that will last them a lifetime.

What is the purpose of the school?

The role of the school is to teach students to appreciate what they learn and put it to work. It is to help students grow into intelligent, creative and effective people that can see their ideas through and make logical choices. It is to show students how much they're capable of, and inspire them to become the best people they can.

Why are you involved in JZEF?

I've pondered for years about how I plan to teach my own future children to become wonderful and intelligent people, who know themselves well, can defend their opinions and are determined in their goals. Talking with others about the goals of JZEF makes me realize that I can have an even greater impact on young people, inspiring an entire community of students to make the world a better place through better understanding, discourse and continuous learning. I am inspired by the other members of JZEF, who share many of the same ideals, and have such great resolution to build this school and change the world for the better. I can't help but take part in this effort.