Established in 1992, the Davis Awards for Excellence in Teaching are presented each year to selected Episcopal School of Jacksonville teachers who personify quality in their teaching and in their influence on student learning; who consistently and unselfishly go above and beyond normal expectations of time, energy and devotion in working with students; who demonstrate the rare ability to motivate students to higher and higher levels of achievement; and who have consistently made use of opportunities for continuing education to improve themselves professionally. This award is intended to inspire all Episcopal teachers to pursue uncompromising excellence and caring in the classroom. To be eligible to receive the Davis Award for Excellence in Teaching, a teacher must have been a member of the faculty for three years and must be returning the following year. At least one award each year must be awarded to a teacher whose primary focus is the Middle School. Faculty members are invited to nominate colleagues for this honor.
Middle School
The 2025 Davis Award for Excellence in Teaching in Middle School was awarded to Keelen Henson, Middle School history faculty. Her nominations include the following kind words:
“Over the years, Keelan has consistently gone above and beyond normal expectations. She has served as an advisor to Middle School Student Government, helping our youngest Munnerlyn students develop leadership skills. She created programs to inspire young girls to be strong Christians and “doers of good.” As a mentor to our newest faculty members, she has been a sounding board, a shoulder to cry on, a confidant, and an amazing role model.”
“Her unwavering dedication to colleagues and students, combined with her ability to inspire, support, and challenge while showing consistent kindness and respect, embodies everything the Davis Award seeks to recognize.”
“This educator has mastered one of teaching’s most challenging balances – maintaining high expectations while weaving in just the right amount of care, compassion, kindness, and love into every student interaction. She is strict, consistent, and fair, yet her students feel supported and valued. Her clear articulation of expectations creates the consistency that gives Middle Schoolers the courage and confidence to participate and take risks in class.”
Keelan has taught at Episcopal for six years.
Upper School
Jackie Jenkins, history teacher and History Department Chair, won the 2025 Davis Award for Excellence in Teaching for Upper School. Jackie has taught at Episcopal for five years.
Jackie’s nominations read:
“Name anything good, kind, or excellent on campus, and usually you can find this educator’s influence in it somewhere. She is a supportive teacher and colleague and an excellent educator.”
“Students adore the communities that this teacher has created and can count on finding a needed hug or laugh, even if they accompany tough truths. Long after ninth graders no longer had to be in Tutorial, her advisees still crowded her classroom. The way she serves as a club sponsor allows students “vital spaces to bond and share.” Even students who have been on the receiving end of her challenges to do better emerge by senior year speaking of her with deep affection and admiration.”
“She shares her time and resources freely for the good of others. Talented and beloved by students and faculty, her influence can be easy to miss at times, because she spends her time lifting others up. The Black History Month Chapels that she plans are always moving, inspirational, challenging, and beautiful, featuring our student and faculty artists–and featuring her only briefly on stage as a cameo.”
“Her work in the classroom is essential to our school, but for her, education goes well beyond classroom walls. She fills in the gaps of knowledge and understanding, often sensing them before they become known by the entire school. And, when she sees a need, she takes the steps to meet it.”
Jackie’s son Josh is a member of the Class of 2025.