Miramar High School's own Alvin A. Davis, current 2012 Florida Teacher of the Year, has been selected as one of four finalists for the 2012 National Teacher of the Year award.

The national award honors teachers across the country, and allows awardees to collaborate with policy makers as advocates of the teaching profession and the nation's students.

"Alvin is a competent and passionate educator who makes sure his students have every chance for success," Florida Education Commissioner Gerard Robinson noted in a press statement. "He knows that teachers are the most influential factor in a student's academic accomplishments and I am honored to congratulate him for this nomination."

"I'm grateful and I'm honored," Davis said at a press conference at Miramar High, after the announcement of his nomination, surrounded by his supportive students, faculty and district administrators.

Music teacher and band director at Miramar High, Davis emphasizes high education standards for his students, requiring additional study hall hours for all band members. Davis also runs a mentorship program, partnering students with mentors to guide them through their scholastic career. Senior band members are expected to apply for college and take their college entrance exams before performing in the school band. His dedication to his students' futures have paid off, as according to the Broward School District, in the past three years, every regular band member of the Miramar High School band program has attended college.

New Broward County School Superintendent Robert Runcie said it was appropriate that Davis comes from Miramar High, which he notes as the ideal example for urban schools. The A-rated Miramar High holds a 90 percent average gradation rate, and is listed among the top 100 schools in the country for the performance among Black students on Advanced Placement (AP) exams. Thanks to the dedicated faculty and administration, the student body manages their national success despite humble backgrounds.

The winner of 2012 National Teacher of the Year award will be announced in April. Davis, as current Florida Teacher of the Year, travels through the state promoting education issues as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for education.