Casey Davis didn’t plan on becoming a teacher. Growing up in Fisher, Illinois, a small town near Champaign, Mrs. Davis initially pursued pharmacy school, but quickly realized it wasn’t her calling. Her love for math, combined with a desire for a more interactive and dynamic career, led her to education. Today, as a dedicated math teacher at Mount Olive High School, Mrs. Davis is helping students discover the relevance of mathematics in their lives while shaping the future of the school’s math program.

Now in her 14th year of teaching and her fourth year at Mount Olive, Mrs. Davis’s journey has been defined by her commitment to excellence and adaptability. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Eastern Illinois University, including a master’s in administration, and a second master’s degree in mathematics from the University of West Florida. While she has no immediate plans to step into administration, Mrs. Davis’s leadership is evident in the way she approaches her work.

At Mount Olive, Mrs. Davis teaches an impressive array of math courses: Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Statistics, and College Algebra. Three of these—Calculus, College Algebra, and Statistics—are dual credit courses. Calculus, through Saint Louis University, and College Algebra and Statistics through Lincoln Land Community College. All of which gives students the opportunity to earn up to 12 college credit hours before graduation. “That’s huge for a school our size,” Mrs. Davis says. “It opens doors for our students and sets them up for success in college.”

Mrs. Davis’s focus isn’t just on college-bound students. She’s a strong advocate for ensuring all students leave high school with a solid foundation in math, whether they’re headed to university, community college, or directly into the workforce. She recognizes the importance of math literacy in trades like welding and carpentry, and she’s pushing for more practical, application-based courses to meet the needs of all students. “We used to have a transitional math course that focused on applied skills,” Mrs. Davis explains. “I’d love to bring something like that back, especially if we can eventually require four years of math for all students.”

This year marks a significant milestone for the district’s math program, with eighth graders now able to take Algebra 1 at the high school. It’s a change Mrs. Davis has championed since she arrived at Mount Olive, and she believes it will strengthen the program’s foundation. “Starting Algebra 1 earlier allows students to progress further by the time they graduate,” she says. “It’s exciting to see this finally happening.”

Mrs. Davis’s enthusiasm for teaching and her students’ success is infectious. She speaks with pride about the accomplishments of her students, including a sophomore who is doubling up on Geometry and Algebra 2 to prepare for Calculus. “She knows she wants to take Calculus, and she’s doing the work to get there,” Mrs. Davis shares. “It’s inspiring to see that level of commitment.”

As one of only two math teachers at Mount Olive High School, Mrs. Davis wears many hats. She essentially leads the department, working closely with her colleague to meet the diverse needs of their students. Despite the challenges of being in a smaller school district—where resources and scheduling flexibility can be limited—Mrs. Davis remains optimistic and solutions-focused. “We’re at that awkward size where we don’t necessarily need two full-time math teachers, but we definitely need more than one,” she says. “It’s a balancing act, but we make it work.”

Mrs. Davis also appreciates the strong sense of community at Mount Olive. Coming from larger districts earlier in her career, she values the close relationships she’s built with students and colleagues. “In a small school, you really get to know your kids,” she says. “You understand their strengths, their struggles, and their goals, and you can tailor your approach to help them succeed.”

Looking ahead, Mrs. Davis hopes to continue expanding opportunities for Mount Olive students. She dreams of introducing a zero-hour class or other creative scheduling solutions to offer more specialized math courses. “It’s all about finding ways to meet the needs of our students,” she says.

Though her journey into teaching wasn’t linear, Casey Davis has found her place at Mount Olive High School. Her passion for math, dedication to her students, and vision for the future of the school’s program make her an invaluable part of the Mount Olive community. “I wasn’t sure where my career would take me,” she reflects. “But now that I’m here, I know this is where I’m meant to be.”