Principal's Message

I grew up in Escondido, California, and enjoyed sports, country music, and Spanish and English coursework in particular. After high school, I spent a year at BYU-Provo, before serving a two-year mission in the Dominican Republic. Upon returning, I finished a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a minor in Geography.

 

I met my amazing wife, Kim, while at BYU in 2001 and we were married in 2002. She has taught school for 11 years off and on, both Elementary and Middle School (English). We have three busy and fun teenagers at home, Jackson (17), Samantha (14), and Casey (13). Jackson plays a lot of basketball for fun and sings in the school choir at Thunder Ridge High School. Sam’s our dancer and Casey is our big reader and musician.

After working in banking for nine years, I re-identified my passion for languages and education and served as a High School Spanish II Teacher in Bartlesville, Oklahoma while completing master-level coursework in TESOL at Oklahoma State University. After completing that degree, we moved to Idaho Falls to be closer to family when the EL/Migrant Coordinator position became available in the summer of 2015.

In 2018, I returned to school at Northwest Nazarene University to complete an Ed.S. in Organizational Leadership and doubled up on coursework for a short time while starting a Master of Social Work degree, which I will wrap up this December. I have a passion for inclusion, languages, social-emotional learning, and making sure students are growing both academically and through a wide range of experiences at school. I’m excited to be at West Jefferson School District.

Educational Philosophy
I believe all students have the right and ability to learn and have found that engaging instructional practices and connections with educators can promote that learning. I’m a believer in inclusion and intentional collaborative effort and seek to promote high expectations and equity at school. A focus on teacher-directed professional development and capacity building that is commensurate with educational expectations is important in the process. By ensuring a safe and caring environment, teachers and students alike practice innovation and risk-taking for greater educational gains.

 

I try to always be working with the stakeholders in the educational process, building relationships, and providing the support that staff and community members need. In my role at Bonneville Joint School District 93, I’ve had the opportunity to regularly be in the schools and love to hear feedback. During preparations for summer school, I got word back from a student we’ve served over the years who asked the secretary, “Who do I talk to about going to summer school?” There was excitement in her voice as she expressed her desire to come. I’ve reflected on that interaction. Does every student at school feel that way? What contributing factors led this student to have such a positive experience? Is there a way to ensure that every student feels the same? As educators, we would want the community to know that we want all students to love their time at school and to grow in their desire to continue learning. We have an awareness of the dedication of the teachers at West Jefferson and are confident in their abilities as professionals. Your students are in good hands.

As we continue to develop our collaborative partnership, I know we will find ways to address each student’s individual needs. Thank you for your support of the school, the district, and, most importantly, the growth and development of your students.

 

Mr. Jeff Davis