“I joined the BES Fellowship to bring more quality school options to the West side of Phoenix, opening doors of opportunity for the next generation.”
Davitta Hernández is a visionary school leader with 26 years of experience in teaching, coaching, and administration. A first-generation college graduate, Davitta was raised in a small, rural farming community in Arizona where most families were immigrants or migrant workers. Her early experiences—attending a tiny K–8 school and tutoring English to peers and adults during high school—deeply shaped her belief in how schools can transform lives and strengthen communities from within. These experiences were the foundation of her belief in the power of education to open doors.
Davitta began her teaching career in Phoenix, spent several years in Dallas classrooms, and ultimately returned to Arizona with a deep commitment to schools where all students feel supported and prepared for success. For the past decade, she led the launch of a new middle school that emerged from a split K–8 campus—shaping building design, academic programming, and school culture. Her leadership balanced systems with student experience: expanding electives, supporting multilingual learners, and building programs that strengthen engagement. The school earned national recognition within its charter network and became known for student-centered programming, strong staff retention, and deep community partnerships.
Davitta is known for bringing people together around a shared purpose and keeping students at the center of every decision. She believes deeply in what young people can achieve and works to build welcoming, high-expectation schools where every student feels part of the community. She’s led successful enrollment efforts, supported strong staff culture, and coached teachers to grow in their practice. While skilled in budgeting, compliance, and school operations, her true strength lies in her ability to connect with others and foster schools that reflect the communities they serve.
Davitta holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Arizona State University.
