When DeMara Davis walked into Justin Overacker’s English class at Wossman High School, she was a young student with dreams of making a difference through education. Now, thanks to the University of Louisiana Monroe’s (ULM) Educators Rising program and support from Regions Bank, Davis is preparing to graduate and return to Wossman—this time as a teacher ready to inspire a new generation.
Her journey, from a Monroe high school student in the program to a college senior on the cusp of teaching in her hometown, is a testament to the impact of ULM’s efforts and Regions Bank’s commitment to the community.
Regions is in the middle of a five-year, $100,000 grant that provides two annual $10,000 scholarships for University of Louisiana Monroe education majors who meet scholarship criteria and are accepted into the fund.
ULM and Educators Rising provides people like Davis with crucial scholarships, resources, and mentoring to ease the path from high school to college to the classroom.
“As a student on the Pre-Educator Pathway, every day is a step closer to a profession that is less about teaching subjects and more about connecting and bonding with my future students,” said Davis. “I was very proud to be awarded the Regions scholarship. This scholarship has already made a big difference in my journey as a future teacher. It has helped cover my college and personal expenses which allowed me to focus more on my studies and less on financial worries.”
The need for skilled and certified educators is especially pronounced in Louisiana, where schools face certified teaching staff gaps, and many students are taught by out-of-field teachers. The Educators Rising program, with strong support from Regions Bank, is addressing this by building a diverse pipeline of dedicated educators ready to serve communities where they’re needed most.
“With the Pre-Educator Pathway, we start with students in high school, offering hands-on experience and help them develop the skills they need to succeed in the classroom,” said Dr. Amy Weems, an associate professor and Educators Rising Collegiate Chapter Advisor. “Growing the program is important to strengthen the state’s educational system, and this work is helping students connect with their own potential and discover the power of education.”
Regions is committed to empowering ULM students to build meaningful careers and help fill critical gaps in our schools. Supporting these future educators means building stronger communities.
Kevin Smith, Monroe market executive for Regions Bank
The initiative also focuses on representation and relationship-building. ULM’s Educators Rising program prioritizes recruiting aspiring teachers who reflect the demographics of the communities they will serve.
“Often the path to success depends on access to education and career opportunities,” said Kevin Smith, Monroe market executive for Regions Bank. “Regions is committed to empowering ULM students to build meaningful careers and help fill critical gaps in our schools. Supporting these future educators means building stronger communities.”
Justin Overacker and DeMara Davis.
Justin Overacker watched this transformative power firsthand as Davis navigated the inaugural year of Educators Rising at Wossman High. A teacher leader at the school, he has mentored Davis through her journey and is thrilled to see her return.
“Witnessing DeMara’s journey has been a rewarding, full-circle moment,” said Overacker. “We are enriching our teaching pipeline with many more generations of Wildcats that dream of being in the most fulfilling professions in the world: teaching! Knowing that she will soon be teaching at Wossman High School, where we’ve shared so many memories, fills me with hope, pride, and joy.”
The support from Regions and ULM isn’t just financial—it’s a foundation that allows me to give back to my community and shape the lives of students, just as it helped shaped mine.
DeMara Davis
As Regions Bank gets ready to celebrate its fourth year of community partnership with ULM and Educators Rising, the program will continue to work on bridging educational gaps and creating opportunities – from students just beginning their journey to graduates like Davis preparing to teach.
“This scholarship has motivated me to work even harder and make a positive impact in my future classroom,” said Davis. “The support from Regions and ULM isn’t just financial—it’s a foundation that allows me to give back to my community and shape the lives of students, just as it helped shaped mine.”