For over a decade, Leah Davenport has been a dedicated educator at Bear Exploration Center, beginning her journey there as a third-grade English Language Arts teacher. Before joining Bear, she taught kindergarten at Wares Ferry and served as a special education teacher at Garrett Elementary. Her move to Bear held special meaning—her oldest child was a student at Bear, making the experience deeply personal and rewarding.
Leah’s path in education began at Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM), where she earned her degree in Early Childhood Education. Her passion for learning and helping students succeed later led her back to AUM to complete a master’s degree in Elementary Special Education. Most recently, she earned her certification in Educational Leadership from the University of West Alabama (UWA) in August, marking a new chapter in her career as Bear’s Assistant Principal.
Her inspiration to move into administration came from two influential women: her mother, Elise Keith, a former principal, and Dr. Nina Williams, Bear’s current administrator. “Watching my mother’s leadership made a lasting impact,” Leah shared. “But it was Dr. Williams who encouraged me to pursue Educational Leadership and take the next step.”
For Leah, teaching is about more than academics—it’s about connection. “Being a teacher means showing up every day with patience, purpose, and a willingness to grow alongside your students,” she said. Over the years, she has taught multiple grade levels and served as an ARI Reading Specialist, cherishing each opportunity to reach different learners.
She hopes people understand that teaching extends beyond the classroom. “Teachers invest so much time, money, and heart into creating meaningful experiences for their students,” she said.
Leah’s goals remain rooted in her love for students: to inspire curiosity, to meet every child’s unique needs, and to ensure every student feels valued and safe.
Leah has been married to her high school sweetheart, Daniel Davenport, for 22 years. They have two sons—Blair, a freshman at Auburn University, and Banks, a seventh grader at ACA.
