Mrs. Vicki Davis, Computer Science Teacher, Instructional Technology Coach, Sherwood Showstoppers Sponsor, and AP Computer Science Principles Teacher, has carved out a unique path to leadership in the academic world.
Right out of college, she began teaching adults how to use technology and spent time as a visiting professor at Georgia Tech. Before fully entering into education, she worked in the business world but later stepped away to focus on raising her children. However, she felt God calling her back—first into teaching, then into a blend of both education and business.
Now, she brings real-world business insights into the classroom, helping students see that business and entrepreneurship are valuable in addition to computer science skills. Her goal is to prepare students for the future with both knowledge and confidence, equipping them for success in whatever path they choose.
Beyond SCA, her impact reaches teachers worldwide through her award-winning blog, podcast, books, keynote speaking, and radio show. Mrs. Davis attributes this influence to God, recognizing His hand in every step of her journey:
When asked, Mrs. Davis will tell you that God of the Impossible by Seth Brasher and Mark Willard is her personal testimony song. It is this song (with permission) that opens her new radio and TV Show, Cool Cat Teacher Talk, which launched this past August. Her podcast, 10-Minute Teacher podcast, with 877 episodes and almost 8 million downloads, has been downloaded in every country but North Korea.
When asked about this journey that has her sharing in the classroom and around the world, she says, “None of this would be possible without the support of SCA and the inspiration of my students and family. Kip, my husband, has always prayed with me and provided amazing guidance on this journey. God has shown me great favor in places that leave me in awe. Last May, I visited Saudi Arabia, and I’ve also been to Dubai, Qatar, China, Moscow, South Africa, and all over the US. Our God has plans for each of us that seem impossible, but when He works through someone like me, people can see just how big the God I serve truly is! He is the God of the Impossible! I want my students to know that God has amazing and seemingly impossible adventures for every one of my students.”
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Management from Georgia Institute of Technology: first in class and also named outstanding management major!
AWARDS AND HONORS: Being named STAR Teacher at SCA has been such an honor, both two years ago and again this year. A highlight was last year’s 100% pass rate for my AP Computer Science Principles class!
Outside of SCA, Mrs. Davis has some exciting recognitions in the education world. She won the Bammy Award for Best Talk Show Host in Education and the Edublog Award for Top Teacher Blog. In both 2022 and 2023, a global research organization named Vicki a Top Global Education Influencer.
Mrs. Davis writes for Edutopia and has spoken at major companies like Microsoft and Google, as well as at education conferences in over 30 states and several countries. Mrs. Davis’ Cool Cat Teacher Talk airs as a weekly radio show on WDJY 99.1 in Atlanta, which also airs in Denver, and airs as a TV show running in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, New Mexico, and New York City public access.
Earlier in Mrs. Davis’ career, she co-founded the Flat Classroom Project, which won ISTE’s 2006 Online Learning Award for Best Online Project. It even made it into Thomas Friedman’s bookThe World is Flat (version three).
YEARS LEADING IN EDUCATION: I started teaching in fall 2002, so around 22 years this May. I have been teaching at SCA for 7 years. I have taught technology for grades 4-12 and adult education courses for a local college.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT TEACHING? My favorite thing is recognizing that students are masterpieces, created before time began, made for good works. Each one is unique and different, and I love learning alongside them about rapidly changing technologies and discussing the morals and ethics we need as Christians in today’s world. My students are so bright; they teach me so much and help me stay relevant as I support parents and teachers around the world in reaching this generation. I feel like I amplify their voices through the projects I do on the side, but I am a teacher first who happens to do these other things, not the other way around.
FAVORITE PLACE YOU’VE VISITED ON VACATION: Anywhere with my husband, Kip, but our favorite thing to do is go down the Nantahala River in individual duckies. It reminds me to paddle my boat and follow my guide.
FAVORITE HOBBIES: Technology has been my hobby since I was seven. I find it fascinating and love meeting people who make things. It’s a big part of my calling. I also love watching movies of all genres and types (except horror) and love attending live performances.
FAVORITE MOVIE: Of course, I love God’s Word. I love Chariots of Fire – Eric Liddel was a remarkable Christian who put Jesus first.
TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR BOOKS: I have two books in the education space – Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds with Pearson and Reinventing Writing with Rutledge/Eye on Education. I created my own publishing company and have co written and published two Christian books with women in writers group we call the Red Ink Circle – Stay in the Boat and Every Scar a Miracle.
AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? I wanted to be a writer, and I recorded tapes of interviews with family for a little show I called “Recording Vicki.” Podcasting hadn’t been invented yet, but I knew God had a plan for me, and He has used many challenges from my middle school years to shape me into a more loving teacher. We often look at kids and forget that they are struggling. I will never forget how I struggled, and I want to help kids know that God has a plan for them.
WHY DO YOU THINK CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT AND SPECIAL? It is our responsibility as parents and teachers to raise up the next generation. I get to teach cutting-edge technology and relate it to God’s word. And yes, everything from cryptocurrency to AI can be connected to God’s Word. We need our kids to step up and be leaders. We can’t always fix the hard things in the lives of our kids, nor should we, but we should surround them with educators who love Jesus and can help them understand that their lives have purpose. This is the loneliest generation, if the stats can be believed, and as a Christ follower, I can show children the God of the Universe, who has an amazing adventure planned for their lives! Their jobs probably haven’t been invented yet, just like mine wasn’t when I was a child. But if I can show them Jesus, they can be settled and firm on a foundation of peace and joy that can’t be found anywhere else. I am a firm and joyful Christian educator, and no place does it better than SCA!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF TEACHING AT SCA SO FAR? I have so many favorite memories, but they all involve laughter, and most often in our Sherwood Showstoppers film class. At least once every week or so for the last several years, I’ve laughed so hard with the kids that I’m almost crying. Whether they’re throwing water, trying to film whipped cream in slow motion, or attempting to hit someone with a pie, we have so much fun telling stories. I love the testimony videos we put on YouTube, and we’re busy filming more right now, which I believe will be inspiring for everyone.
