Weston Awards: Meet Buzz Aldrin Math Teacher Dr. Twana Davisson

This is the latest in our series spotlighting the winners of the 2025 Judy Weston Awards for Inspired Teaching. Follow along each week to learn more about the impact these educators are making in the Montclair Public Schools.

When a student in Dr. Twana Davisson’s math class at Buzz Aldrin Middle School finished the year with 93 average, they asked not to be moved to the accelerated math track. Why? 

The student wanted to continue to learn from Dr. Davisson, telling their mom: “I feel that I learn the best from Dr. Davisson’s teaching strategies and fun class activities.”

It’s this energy and creativity that helps students really learn and understand challenging middle school math problems. 

In nominations for this award, Dr. Davisson was praised for her dedication, passion for math, and for going above and beyond for her students. This is demonstrated with frequent positive notes posted in Genesis, weekly communications to parents about upcoming assignments and at-home support strategies, and summer postcards affirming students and showing them they are valued.

Nominators said that Dr. Davisson knows that success in math is not just about learning algorithms: She cultivates confidence, builds customized bridges of support, and cheers on students when they need it most.

Here’s how one parent put it: “Dr. Davisson not only imparts knowledge effectively, but also fosters a nurturing and inclusive environment that encourages critical thinking and personal growth.”

And one from a student: “Dr. Davisson is a great teacher who has taught me many different strategies to solve math problems.”

For having mastered both the art and science of teaching, and the outsize impact she has had on her students, the Montclair community is proud to recognize Dr. Davisson as an INSPIRED teacher. Congratulations.