Friday, June 27, 2008

All About Mrs. Simmons

Hi! This is my 18th year of teaching at Columbus Academy. This picture shows me and my family at my son's graduation from CA in 2008. I taught kindergarten for 5 years at Academy, and I taught second grade for 7 years. Since I've already spent time with kindergartners and second graders, I love it that I now get to hang out with first graders! This is my sixth year as a first grade teacher. I graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Education and I completed the graduate program at Ashland University. I have a Masters degree in Education with a focus in the area of literacy. I also went through the National Boards process and achieved National Board certification. Recently I have focused on integrating technology into the classroom, so much of my professional development has been related to teaching kids to use technology as a tool. We use technology to find answers, make connections, and share our ideas ~ with each other, with our families, and with other students around the world.


O.K. ~ That's kind of the boring background stuff...What I really want you to know is that I LOVE to teach! I am so lucky to spend my days with the kids and faculty of Columbus Academy. My husband often tells me that my job is also my hobby, and that is true...even during the summer I spend lots of time gathering ideas, attending workshops, looking at other teachers' blogs, and preparing for the new school year. My family life is also quite connected to Columbus Academy. My husband and I have two children - Tony and Kelly. Tony is a member of CA's 2008 graduating class and Kelly graduated in 2010. Tony graduated from The College of Wooster and he recently earned his MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching). He plans to teach social studies. Kelly recently graduated from The College of Wooster and she is a embarking on a year of service with City Year here in Columbus. Yikes! I am the parent of two adult children! It still feels so strange that I am no longer a CA parent! When I started at Academy Tony was in second grade. Believe me, the time goes by very quickly! My family also has a very spoiled pug named Meggie.

Some tidbits about me:
I LOVE to read! I never go anywhere without a book. Though I was resistant at first, I have recently learned to love reading e-books as well, so you may find me reading on my iPad or Kindle in addition to more traditional print books.  I read fiction, non-fiction, and lots of children's books. It is very difficult to pick just one favorite children's book, but Frindle is one of my favorites. I also enjoy books by Kevin Henkes and Mo Willems. It is so much fun to share books with my students. My favorite fast food restaurant is Chipotle. I am addicted to burrito bowls, chips, and guacamole. YUM! I also make frequent trips to Starbucks and other coffee shops.  I am a HUGE Blue Jackets fan!!! Go Jackets! My hobbies include scrapbooking, attending hockey games, and hanging out with my family. I recently started curling and I curl a few nights a week during the winter months. Lake Erie is a special place for me. I go there every summer with my whole family. It is so much fun to spend time on the beach, visit with my brothers, sister, nieces, nephews, and family friends. My son and his girlfriend even got engaged at Lake Erie and they will be getting married in December of 2014. 



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