ADULT EDUCATOR AWARD

Merle Davenport

G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility

Many students lack basic skills, have low self-esteem, and have a negative view of education, but adult students who are in a correctional institution carry an extra burden.  They need a caring advocate that will be patient as well as inspirational.  This year’s Adult Educator recipient, Merle Davenport, is one of these individuals.  Merle integrates innovative teaching methods and advocates for reading instruction and improvement for his students.  He handles every situation with a professional attitude and always gives of himself to help his students succeed. One of his students wrote: To the committee, I thank you for the opportunity to express my gratitude and thanks to teacher Davenport, he truly inspired me to continue learning, and I offer this letter of thanks on his behalf.