Davidson retires as distance learning coordinator

Dr. Anne Davidson is retiring from Madison City Schools as ACCESS distance learning coordinator (Alabama Connecting Classrooms, Educators & Students Statewide).

“Being involved with the ACCESS distance learning program from the pilot phase through the first six years has been an incredible experience,” Davidson said.

“The program has grown to the third largest in the nation, due to the need for the expanded curriculum in our many small and rural schools,” Davidson said about the center’s coverage. “I was privileged to help in that process and work with so many dedicated teachers, administrators and counselors all wanting the best possible for their students and our state.”

Previously, Davidson was assistant principal at Bob Jones and Madison County high schools. In Woodbridge, Va., she was assistant principal at Rippon Middle School and chemistry teacher at Gar-Field High School.

She was an adjunct professor of chemistry at St. Leo (Fla.) College and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Stuttgart, Germany. Davidson also taught at Stuttgart American elementary and junior high schools.

Davidson’s first teaching assignments were at Hewitt-Trussville Junior High School and Floyd Junior High School in Mableton, Ga.

A native of Trussville, Davidson earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at Birmingham-Southern College and a master’s degree in education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She holds endorsements in science education and educational leadership.

Davidson earned her doctorate degree in science education leadership at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.

She chose her career “to help improve the education of our children and get them excited about science.”

The Davidson family moved to Madison in 1997 with a BRAC relocation. Her husband Steve works as a senior analyst with Camber Corporation.

From thousands of students, she best remembers A.J. Snitko at Bob Jones for his courage, determination and optimism. “He’s one of the most courageous students I’ve ever known. He braved surgeries and extensive therapy to walk across the stage at graduation at the Von Braun Center to a standing ovation by his classmates,” she said.

For retirement, Davidson has a list of about 30 goals, including writing, drawing and painting projects, along with travel. “I don’t expect to be bored,” she said.

The Davidsons’ daughters are Lauren and Meredith, both graduates of Bob Jones and the University of Alabama.