LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Sherri Simpson was nominated by her spouse, John Simpson.

Mrs. Simpson has shown leadership and innovation in her school and in district by writing many grants. She is always thinking about how she can make her classroom and school a better place for students to learn, even when she is not at school. On weekends and nights, and during the summer breaks, she is always looking for grants to get the supplies she thinks her students deserve. She has written 5 grants in 3 years. She is always working on a passion project with the students such as gardening, building a Maker Space, raising Monarchs, STEM projects, and building a positive, nurturing atmosphere. Mrs. Simpson spends countless hours planning how to maximize teaching minutes while building a safe and welcoming environment. She has established class meetings each Friday in which the students take part in complimenting each other, talking about issues in a safe way, and debating classroom business ideas. She promotes PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support) in her classroom. The students become very close and often don't want to leave her class at the end of the year. You will often hear Mrs. Simpson and her students exclaim, "You miss school..... you miss out!"

Mrs. Simpson also takes a leadership role in virtually every committee on campus. In addition to being on the School Site Council, she serves as the English Language Development Committee Chairperson, Technology Lead Teacher, CELDT/ELD teacher, and fourth Grade Team Lead Teacher.

"As her husband, I know how lucky her students are to have her dedication because I see how much time she spends at home planning for more wonderful experiences for her students," Mr. Simpson said. "Sherri has an excellent reputation at her school and is known as an innovator, often trying new furniture, curriculum ideas and STEM items - that she has purchased with her own money." 

She adheres to the highest moral and ethical standards and is a role model to other teachers. Her work ethic exemplifies her professionalism and admiration among district supervisors and colleagues. Any student who is lucky to have her as a fourth grade teacher will learn how to respect themselves and their peers, and how to live by the growth mindset that Mrs. Simpson teaches: "A mistake is not a failure if you learn from it."

Students have come back to Mrs. Simpson's room and told her they've kept all the quotes of the day she did with them each morning as a hand writing and metacognition activity.

"I believe she sets these kids up for positive learning experiences as soon as they walk in the door, and these experiences and skills stay with them well into the future," Mr. Simpson said.