Ms. Davis Interview
New math faculty member Alexandra Davis (credit: Browning)
Written by David L. ‘28
Professional Background Questions
Where did you grow up, and where did you attend school?
Ms. Davis: “I grew up in Manhattan and went to Stuyvesant for high school. After that, I attended Columbia University and then UCLA for graduate school.”
What inspired you to become a teacher?
Ms. Davis: “In college, I studied engineering, but my experience in that field wasn’t great—it actually inspired me to become a teacher. I left my engineering job and started teaching math to girls. This is my first year teaching at an all-boys school.”
How long have you been teaching?
Ms. Davis: “I’ve been teaching for 26 years.”
What subjects or grades have you taught previously?
Ms. Davis: “At the start of my career, I taught a freshman-level engineering course and a bit of physics, but I’ve mostly taught math to students in grades 5–12.”
What do you love most about teaching?
Ms. Davis: “My students.”
What’s the most rewarding experience you’ve had as an educator?
Ms. Davis: “There have been many, but one that stands out is when a mother reached out years later to tell me her daughter, whom I taught at Spence about six or seven years earlier, was inspired to go into the medical field because of me.”
Getting to Know Ms. Davis Personally
What are your hobbies outside of teaching?
Ms. Davis: “I like going out for nice dinners. I actually own a Mediterranean–Middle Eastern–Asian fusion restaurant. I also like going to see shows and live music on Broadway.”
Do you have any pets?
Ms. Davis: “Yes, I have a dog named Fred and she is my first ever pet.”
What’s your favorite book or type of literature?
Ms. Davis: “I enjoy reading historical fiction, especially stories about New York City. One of the most interesting books I’ve read recently is Madam: The Life of Polly Adler, which is about her life in 1920s NYC.”
What kind of music do you enjoy?
Ms. Davis: “My music taste is pretty wide-ranging. I love old-school ’80s–’90s hip-hop, Billy Joel, bluegrass, and Americana music.”
If you weren’t a teacher, what career would you have chosen?
Ms. Davis: “My dream job would be a Broadway choreographer. In real life, I’d probably work in sports analytics or scouting, especially in basketball or baseball. I’m a huge Yankees fan.”
Fun “Would You Rather” Questions
Would you rather teach in a classroom underwater or in a treehouse?
Ms. Davis: “Underwater for sure”
Would you rather have the ability to read students’ minds or be invisible?
Ms. Davis: “I’d rather be able to read my students’ minds.”
Would you rather grade papers for a week straight or give a three-hour lecture without breaks?
Ms. Davis: “Definitely the three-hour lecture.”
Would you rather have unlimited school supplies or unlimited coffee?
Ms. Davis: “Unlimited coffee, no question.”
Would you rather be able to speak every language or play every musical instrument?
Ms. Davis: “I’d choose to speak every language.”
Playful Icebreaker Questions
What’s the most unusual thing in your desk drawer?
Ms. Davis: “A little hammer, not really for any reason.”
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be?
Ms. Davis: “Historically, I’d say JFK. But if it could be anyone, I’d choose Francis Ford Coppola, the director of The Godfather and The Outsiders.”
What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you in a classroom?
Ms. Davis: “Oh, there have been plenty. Once, during an assembly at the Blue School, two eighth graders had to tell me my pants had split in the back. Luckily, I lived just two blocks away and was able to cover myself with a hoodie before heading home to change.”
If you could instantly become an expert in any skill, what would it be?
Ms. Davis: “American Sign Language.”