Mr. Davidson (AKA Davo) has been a teacher at RCMS for 23, almost 24 years. He started out teaching math and after a few years, changed over to science. He has been the Outdoor Adventure Club sponsor ever since he moved to Payson in 2000. Payson is the only place he's ever taught - when you're a great place, why move? Mr. Davidson has always enjoyed helping others, especially young people understand the fields of math and science. He was a tutor for both subjects while in college and worked with some High school students during that time, as well.
Davo also enjoys the culture around RCMS and PUSD10. It's a great place to work and it feels like everybody takes care of each other. Mr. Davidson loves seeing the look of comprehension on students' faces when they understand a subject. Even though many parts of the teaching career are difficult - the long hours, grading, and classroom discipline - those students who really care and want to learn, who pay attention and ask engaging questions make it all worth it.
One thing about teaching in a small town is that you get to find out how your past students and their families are doing. It lifts your spirits to hear stories of past students doing well and fulfilling their dreams. It makes you feel like your life is worthwhile when people tell you how much they appreciate you taking the time and effort to teach their children - the most precious things in their lives.
Most of you know that Davo loves being outdoors. So it's natural that his hobbies revolve around that - Mountain biking, hiking, hunting, fishing, rock climbing, skiing, caving, kayaking. Recently he's re-joined Tonto Rim Search and Rescue as well. It's a natural fit for someone who loves the outdoors and loves helping others. Which leads to the other "why" - Why keep running the Outdoor Adventure Club? Davo loves to get outdoors and enjoys passing on that passion to others. So many families in Payson are living on the edge with parents working multiple jobs to make ends meet. They may not have the time or skills to do these kinds of activities with their kids, as much as they might want to. He figures that he will be doing stuff outdoors anyway, so why not take some kids along and show 'em how to do things safely? God gave me the talents and skills to do this job. I should use them to help others.