[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 110 (Thursday, July 2, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E649]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





        HONORING DAVID DAVIS, 2026 MINNESOTA TEACHER OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KELLY MORRISON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 2, 2026

  Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate 
David Davis, instrumental and general music teacher at Park Spanish 
Immersion Elementary in St. Louis Park, on being named the 2026 
Minnesota Teacher of the Year.
  Mr. Davis exemplifies the creativity, dedication, and innovation that 
define Minnesota's educators. Throughout his 16-year career, including 
the past five years at Park Spanish Immersion Elementary, Mr. Davis has 
inspired students to develop their creativity, confidence, and love of 
learning through music. A graduate of Lawrence University and the 
University of St. Thomas, Mr. Davis continues to hone his expertise 
through graduate coursework in Change Leadership at the College of St. 
Scholastica.
  Mr. Davis has reimagined music education by designing a curriculum 
centered on student voice, creativity, and cultural responsiveness. At 
Park Spanish Immersion, Mr. Davis guides his students to compose 
original music, collaborate with one another, and connect their 
learning to their identities, families, and communities. His curriculum 
is rooted in his belief in ``inherent brilliance,'' creating classrooms 
where teachers and students learn alongside one another as partners in 
discovery.
  Beyond the classroom, Mr. Davis has earned national recognition for 
advancing innovative and inclusive music education. He was the first 
Minnesotan to be selected as a Top 25 semifinalist for the GRAMMY Music 
Educator Award and has received honors including the Give A Note 
Foundation Music Education Innovator Award, the Music for All 
Elementary Excellence Award, and Yamaha's ``40 Under 40'' recognition. 
He also serves on the National Association for Music Education's 
Council of Innovations, participates in the Minnesota Department of 
Education's Culturally Responsive Arts Education cohort, and leads the 
Changemakers in Music Education project, expanding access and 
opportunity for students across Minnesota.
  Mr. Davis's recognition as Minnesota Teacher of the Year reflects not 
only his remarkable talent as an educator, but also his unwavering 
belief in the growth potential of every student. His work reminds us 
that great teachers do more than impart knowledge, they inspire 
curiosity, foster a sense of self, and empower young people to see 
themselves as capable learners, artists, and leaders.
  On behalf of the people of Minnesota, I congratulate David Davis on 
this well-deserved honor and thank him for his outstanding dedication 
to the students, families, and educators of our state.

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