From student to standout educator: Alethea Davis

Above: Alethea Davis (right) and Dr. Sandra Sumerfield at the 2025 Commencement Ceremony at Central State University. 

Alethea Davis of Columbus, Ohio, always knew she wanted to teach. Inspired by her third-grade teacher — who made learning fun and nurturing — Davis envisioned a career in education from a young age. Today, she’s a thriving kindergarten teacher at East Lindon Elementary School in Columbus City Schools, giving back to the very community that raised her. 

Davis said she loves watching her students grow. “They start off tiny and over the course of the school year, they're not so babyish anymore. They look more grown up. I like being able to watch them grow academically, socially, emotionally, and to help them grow in all areas of being a whole well-rounded child.” 

Though she first earned an undergraduate degree from Ohio State University in African American and African Studies, Davis eventually shifted to early childhood education after helping care for her younger siblings. A role with Columbus City Schools gave her access to a union-sponsored college benefit — and Central State University was among the participating institutions. 

“It was destined,” Davis said. 

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She enrolled in January 2021, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, as an online student. While she was not on campus day to day, Central State’s reputation and legacy as a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) were meaningful to her. 

“It was cool to be able to attend an HBCU. That was an important factor that encouraged and motivated me to want to jump in,” Davis said. “I've always heard about Central State. I have various friends who have attended the University and graduated from there.” 

Although she did not experience much of campus life directly, Davis made a powerful connection with her professors — especially Dr. Sandra Sumerfield, who taught her coursework, supervised her student teaching, and became a trusted mentor. 

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“She was very hands-on in my experience,” Davis said. “I have a special place in my heart for her.” 

After an unexpected change in Davis's student teaching placement, Dr. Sumerfield drove to Columbus to check on her in person. “She popped up on me to make sure everything was OK, and I really appreciated that,” Davis said. “She showed me that she cared.” 

Now a lead kindergarten teacher, Davis is helping 27 students — 17 of whom are English language learners — build strong academic foundations. “You're building a foundation for everything,” she said, “so that when they do move on, they're strong and can excel when they go to the next grade.” 

Her classroom incorporates movement, music, and hands-on activities. “I focus on making it fun,” she said. “I'm enthusiastic with my lessons, using dance, music, pictures, anything to keep them captivated in the lesson." 

One of her most rewarding experiences has been watching her English language learners thrive. “It is inspiring to see them come in, not understanding what I'm saying, to having a conversation and dialogue back and forth,” she said. “In addition to that, I encourage them to continue speaking their first language because that's super powerful for them.” 

In May, Davis received double the accolades when she walked across the stage at Central State University and was honored by Columbus City Schools during Teacher Appreciation Week — a follow-up to a 2023 feature on her unique path from student to teacher at her childhood school. 

“I'm shy, so I try to remain humble and grateful for the opportunity,” she said. “It was affirming and motivating.” 

Her success didn’t come without challenges, but Davis credits her preparation at Central State with giving her the confidence and skills to thrive. 

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“The coursework prepares you for differentiation, lesson plan development, and making sure you are teaching to the standards,” she said. “Also just... really digging in and having us present and create high-quality teaching.” 

Davis now hopes to give back to future educators. “I would like to work more closely with the Central State University (Department of Professional Education and Music) for those student teachers to hear the pros and cons,” she said. “Sometimes when you go into it blind, you really don't know what to expect.” 

Her advice for current CSU students? “Do not give up. Be flexible. Be collaborative. Be a learner. Be a leader. Be helpful and kind,” Davis said. “Make your stamp on the world and stay positive and motivated.” 

For Davis, being a Central State alum is about community and legacy. 

“I came to graduation. That was a great experience, just being on the campus at (William Patrick McPherson Memorial Stadium) with other graduates,” she said. “That strong sense of service, community, love — that’s what I felt there.”