Making a Difference: Molly Davis and Her Extraordinary Students at Gateway Polytechnic Academy

At Gateway Polytechnic Academy (GPA), the special education program is a testament to involvement, perseverance, and unconditional support. One special education teacher leading this charge is Molly Davis, whose passion and methods create an environment for students with diverse needs. 

Her journey into this field stems from her experiences as a student who benefited from the guidance of remarkable educators, including her mother, an inspirational role model. “I had amazing teachers who never let me give up,” Davis shared. “That’s what inspired me to become a special education teacher.”

For Davis, the most rewarding aspect of her work is the relationships she builds with her students and their families. No milestone is too small to celebrate, as she treasures witnessing the social and emotional growth of her students. “Having a child make huge gains is something you never forget,” Davis states.

Davis emphasizes hands-on learning and presumes competence in every child, challenging them to exceed expectations. “Just because they haven’t done something yet doesn’t mean they can’t,” she explained. Davis also champions inclusion, a principle that extends beyond her classroom.

Davis’s students inspire her daily. Their determination to master skills, kindness, and self-authenticity stand as a reminder to us of the strength found in diversity. “We could all learn from them,” she said.

Recognizing National Special Education Day, Davis underscores that special education is not merely a place but a service that supports neuro-diverse students in unique ways. She also highlights the contributions of paraprofessionals, calling them “the real heroes” who make everything in her classroom possible.

At GPA and across Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD), educators like Davis embody the commitment to creating inclusive, supportive spaces where every child can thrive. Her message is clear: “Include them. Say hi to them. Encourage others to engage with them. Diversity is a fact, but inclusion is an act.”