Collinsville Educator Leah Davis Wins Illinois State Education Award

Dorris Intermediate School Assistant Principal recognized for leadership and student support

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Leah Davis, the Assistant Principal at Collinsville's Dorris Intermediate School, has been honored by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) through their Those Who Excel/Teacher of the Year program. Davis was recognized with the Award of Meritorious Service in the School Administrator category for her outstanding work in supporting students, families, and staff.

Why it matters

The Those Who Excel awards recognize exceptional educators across Illinois who are making a significant positive impact in their schools and communities. Davis's award highlights the important role that school administrators play in fostering a positive school climate, supporting teachers, and ensuring all students feel valued and equipped for success.

The details

Davis was nominated for the award by several of her colleagues, who praised her leadership, professionalism, and commitment to equity and student success. As an administrator, Davis has focused on strengthening family and community engagement, developing innovative approaches to social-emotional learning and positive behavioral supports, and providing consistent and compassionate guidance to both students and staff.

  • On February 11, 2026, the Illinois State Board of Education announced that Leah Davis had won the Award of Meritorious Service in the School Administrator category.

The players

Leah Davis

The Assistant Principal at Collinsville's Dorris Intermediate School, recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education for her outstanding leadership and support of students, families, and staff.

Dr. Tony Sanders

The State Superintendent of Education, who praised the 2026 Those Who Excel awardees and Teacher of the Year cohort as representing "the very best of our profession" and making a difference in the lives of students across Illinois.

Kevin Strinaman

The Principal of Dorris Intermediate School, who nominated Davis and highlighted her expertise, collaborative spirit, and commitment to equity and student success.

Alison Underwood

The Director of Special Education for Collinsville CUSD 10, who praised Davis's compassionate and solutions-focused approach to working with students and families.

Corina Hamilton

A Title I Teacher at Dorris Intermediate School, who highlighted Davis's passion for social-emotional learning and positive behavioral supports, as well as her unwavering support for her colleagues.

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What they’re saying

“Illinois educators show up for students every day with commitment, creativity and care. The 2026 Those Who Excel awardees and Teacher of the Year cohort represent the very best of our profession. Their work strengthens school communities and helps ensure students feel supported, valued and inspired.”

— Dr. Tony Sanders, State Superintendent of Education (riverbender.com)

“Prior to becoming an administrator, Mrs. Davis served as a 6th-grade general education teacher and a special education inclusion teacher. In that capacity, she became an expert at making all students feel welcomed and valued in the classroom.”

— Kevin Strinaman, Principal, Dorris Intermediate School (riverbender.com)

“Mrs. Davis's collaborative and caring leadership style has also been evident in her work with students and families. As the administrator responsible for all 6th-grade disciplinary matters, she approaches each situation as an opportunity to teach and guide students while maintaining firm expectations for behavior.”

— Alison Underwood, Director of Special Education, Collinsville CUSD 10 (riverbender.com)

“Leah has a true passion for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Her work in these areas has transformed the school climate, ensuring students, families and staff feel supported, valued and equipped with the skills they need to succeed academically and socially.”

— Corina Hamilton, Title I Teacher, Dorris Intermediate School (riverbender.com)

What’s next

The Illinois State Board of Education will formally present the Those Who Excel awards, including Leah Davis's Award of Meritorious Service, at a ceremony on March 15, 2026.

The takeaway

Leah Davis's recognition as an Illinois State Education Award winner highlights the crucial role that school administrators play in fostering positive school climates, supporting teachers, and ensuring all students feel valued and equipped for success. Her commitment to social-emotional learning, positive behavioral supports, and collaborative leadership serves as an inspiring example for educators across the state.