By Celia Møller
Throughout my academic career, I’ve encountered many dedicated and inspiring educators, but few have had as profound an impact on my growth as Ms. Annabelle Davey, my Chemistry A Honors teacher. Ms. Davey is the perfect blend of intellectual rigor and genuine compassion. She pushes her students to achieve their best while ensuring we feel supported every step of the way. Her commitment to teaching goes beyond just lecturing—it’s reflected in the thoughtful feedback she provides, the extra time she invests, and her unwavering belief that every student has the potential to excel.
Ms. Davey’s teaching journey began in 2008 when she graduated from college with a degree in biological anthropology. Initially, she didn’t plan on becoming a teacher—her first love was science, specifically human evolution, which she studied at the University of Arizona. She even considered a career in medicine, having pursued a pre-med minor. However, her passion for science eventually led her to a unique opportunity in the Phoenix Teaching Fellows program, which placed her in a high-needs school teaching middle school science. “I didn’t study teaching in college,” she explained, “but I loved science and wanted to share that passion with students. My goal is to push students beyond their comfort zones because real growth happens there.”
Over the years, Ms. Davey transitioned to teaching high school biology before joining ASU Prep Digital in 2019. At ASU Prep, she has taught a variety of high school science courses, including chemistry. She expressed her excitement about this variety: “One thing I love here is that you never really know what you’re going to be teaching the next semester. It’s exciting to learn new things and sometimes have students multiple times in different subjects.”
What sets Ms. Davey apart is her unique approach to grading and guidance. She doesn’t simply mark what’s right or wrong; she uses each submission as a teaching tool, providing insightful comments that help me think more critically and arrive at the correct answers on my own. Her goal isn’t just to correct mistakes but to ensure I understand the underlying concepts. This method has transformed the way I approach problem-solving, giving me confidence to tackle even the most challenging topics.
One standout experience I had with Ms. Davey was during a particularly difficult lab assignment. I was struggling to get the results right and felt overwhelmed. Instead of letting me fall behind, Ms. Davey offered to meet with me on Zoom to go over the assignment in detail. Not only did she help me fix my errors, but she also made sure I understood the science behind them. Her patience that day showed her genuine care for her students’ success—she wasn’t just concerned about my grade; she wanted me to truly grasp the material.
Teaching online has brought its own unique challenges, and Ms. Davey explained how different it is from teaching in a traditional classroom. “In the classroom, you naturally build connections with students. But online, it takes more effort—you really have to be intentional about connecting with them, asking about their lives outside of school, and showing that you care. When students know you genuinely care, they’re more willing to approach challenges and seek help.” She believes that cultivating strong relationships with her students is key to their success, especially in an online setting where it can be easy to feel disconnected.
When I asked her about her favorite moments in teaching, Ms. Davey lit up while talking about watching her students succeed. “It’s incredibly rewarding when students who were initially worried about the class start answering tough questions in our live lessons. I love celebrating those moments, calling out their successes, and watching them gain confidence. It’s moments like those that make teaching so fulfilling.” She also mentioned how hearing from former students who have gone on to pursue impressive careers, especially in the sciences, is one of the most gratifying aspects of her career.
Ms. Davey shared her teaching philosophy, which aligns closely with ASU Prep Digital’s mantra of “All kids can.” She elaborated: “I want my students to know that they can succeed in science, even when it’s tough. My goal is to make sure they’re not only successful but also curious about learning more. I encourage my students to take the next steps—whether it’s enrolling in college-level courses or just staying engaged in their scientific journey.” She emphasized that students often enter chemistry feeling intimidated, but her goal is to build their confidence and show them that they are capable of mastering the material.
Ms. Davey has made a lasting impact on me—not just as a student of chemistry but as someone who has learned the value of persistence and curiosity. Her dedication to her craft and her students is truly inspiring, and I’m incredibly grateful for her guidance. The lessons I’ve learned in her class extend far beyond chemistry, teaching me to embrace challenges and strive for personal growth.
To all the educators like Ms. Davey, who go the extra mile, thank you for making such a meaningful difference in our lives. You play such an important role in our education, and we couldn’t do it without you.
-Celia Møller
