Educator/Alumni Spotlight: Davon Smith, City Springs Paraeducator

When Davon Smith first joined the staff at City Springs Elementary/Middle School, he didn’t need to learn the building. He already knew many faculty and was familiar with Baltimore Curriculum Project, the charter school operator that manages City Springs and six other neighborhood conversion charter schools.

Davon knew the neighborhood and the school very well, having attended City Springs for middle school.

We continue our new Educator/Alumni Spotlight series with Davon’s reflections on the full-circle moment from childhood to career.

Role at City Springs: Davon began his career at City Springs’ as a paraeducator then switched to a long-term sub for 8th grade math. Today, he is a paraeducator for 3rd grade. 

Path to BCP: He attended City Springs for middle school, finishing in 2011 as a class valedictorian. Davon graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in 2015.  

My favorite memories from City Springs are all the different things teachers planned for us to do during class. I remember specifically that my history teacher, Mr. West, had someone come to talk to us about the government. Boys Club with Mr. Lee was one of my favorite memories too. Learning how to tie a tie and building that fellowship with my classmates was super cool. Also, becoming a valedictorian of my class was a big highlight.

I have always had the passion to become a teacher. I always loved helping students in the class with their schoolwork. I attend Baltimore City Community College to get my associate’s degree in Elementary Education/Generic Special Education PreK-12 . Then I want to transfer to Coppin State University to get my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.

What makes me proud is that the school gave me some love and support when I was a student. Seeing some teachers that I had in middle school still work here and doing amazing things is super inspiring. 

My dream job is to become a math academic coach. BCP always provided opportunities in the past to expand my mind from just my community and think bigger. Today, BCP has helped me with my schooling and gave me a stepping stone to begin my journey through para-educating.

Thanks for being such a wonderful part of the City Springs and BCP community, Davon!