Looby branch will close August 16 for light upgrades.
Language of Love
NPL’s Educator of the Year celebrates the beauty in diversity
Haiti. Ethiopia. Venezuela. Sudan. Colombia. Afghanistan.
Michelle Davenport’s classroom is filled with people from all over the world — and that’s just the way she likes it.
“I love experiencing different cultures,” Michelle said, “and through this work, you have the privilege of meeting fascinating people you may have never met otherwise.”
Michelle teaches English as a Second Language (ESL) at the Nashville International Center for Empowerment (NICE), a local nonprofit organization that has served refugees and immigrants in the Nashville area since 2005.
“The students are so dedicated and hardworking, and I am so fortunate to bear witness to that,” she said. “No matter what challenges they’ve faced that day, they show up, and it really is humbling to see.”
Michelle is NPL’s 2026 Educator of the Year, an annual award that goes to a paid teacher or volunteer who makes significant contributions to the work of adult education in Davidson County.
The Library’s adult literacy program is a vital hub in Davidson County where adult learners and the organizations that serve them (like NICE) can access information, education technologies, and tools — and be enriched through professional development.
“When you help someone learn English, you are also supporting them in their journey toward accessing education and employment,” said Jamil Sameen, who oversees the programming and outreach for NPL’s adult literacy team. “You are opening up their world and breaking down the barriers and isolation that can come with living in a foreign land.”
Ally Thomas, NICE’s director of adult education, said Michelle is known for her kindness, empathy, and commitment to student success.
“Our teachers are all so exceptional, and we are happy to see Michelle recognized this year for her contributions,” Ally said. “Her students describe her as patient, welcoming, helpful, and fun, and her lessons use exercises such as shopping and cooking to really accelerate the learning process. Michelle brings so much joy to the classroom.”
Deep Dive
When it comes to the classroom, Michelle goes for immersion, immersion, immersion. All lessons and conversations between teacher and student are in English. She uses repetition and real-life scenarios that students can put into practice right away.
“Immersion is the best and fastest way to learn a new language,” she said.
Learning a second language is no easy feat, and Michelle is mindful of the stakes.
“I know that many of my students come from situations that have been so hard,” she said. “Imagine finding childcare or searching for a job when you don’t yet speak the language. As Americans, we take so much for granted, and if I can make a person’s life a little bit easier, it’s all worth it.”
Joy in the Journey
Michelle’s 12-year career teaching ESL in Nashville began more than 6,000 miles away where she was an ESL instructor in Japan.
“I love to travel, and teaching in Japan was absolutely transformational," she said. “I knew I wanted to be in the classroom, and knew I wanted to work with adults.”
Now — after earning a master’s degree in teaching English as a Second Language and teaching stints in Mexico and Uganda — she’s a NICE site coordinator, manages volunteers, and teaches twice a week. She also hosts a weekly activity for her students, like a potluck, guest speaker, or field trip.
“I especially like the potlucks because we get to experience the amazing food from the students’ home countries. It’s like traveling the world without leaving Nashville,” she said.
Bringing it Home
Michelle took this summer off to spend time with her children, including visits to their local Nashville Public Library branch to load up on audiobooks for a family roadtrip.
Through reading and travel, she experiences and celebrates new cultures — and she hopes to inspire her children to do the same.
“A few years ago, we adopted a daughter from Liberia and took our three children to Africa to see where their sister was from,” she said. “Seeing other cultures has opened their eyes and changed their perspective, and that’s so important.
“We teach them that if you see someone who is struggling you should help them. We are all humans and we should all be kind to each other.”
