Although this is Jarrett Davidson’s first year at Ashland Middle School, it seems as if it were just a matter of time before he became an art teacher in the Ashland School District. Jarrett grew up in Talent in a family of teachers. His mom is Laura Davidson taught Fabric Arts at Ashland High School for many years. Jarrett, himself, is a graduate of AHS and always dreamed of making art. He went to SOU where he studied fine art. This started a 12-year career in art museums and galleries that included stints in Portland and the Bay Area. It was also during this time that he met his wife Daria.
In 2018, Jarrett and Daria moved back to the Rogue Valley so he could get his Masters in Teaching. After student teaching here at AMS in the fall of 2019, he finished his degree during the Pandemic in the spring of 2020 and then taught Art and English classes at Kids Unlimited for two years. When the art position opened up here this past fall, the die was cast.
In addition to creating his own art (Jarrett had a gallery showing in Medford last summer and hopes to have another this summer), Jarrett loves to run and swim. He’s joined the Master’s Swimming Program at Daniel Meyer which meets at 5:30 in the morning (wow, that’s dedication) where he remembers lifeguarding as a high school student.
About AMS, Jarrett says, “The sense of community here at AMS is strong. It is a unique and supportive community both for the students and among the students. I feel supported in my goal of helping students follow their interests. I love working with this age group. They are in the process of generating their identities and are full of fearless ideas when it comes to exploring those interests.” We’re happy to have Jarrett here guiding and working alongside them!