Joann Simmons
Position: Sixth Grade Social Studies Teacher
School: Greenville Middle School
School District: Greenville Central School District
City, State: Greenville, NY
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Joann Simmons was nominated by Audrey Matott, a former student.
"As a former student of Mrs. Simmons, I am proof that she has the ability to make a difference in the life of at least one student. But having been her student, I have seen the impact she has had on the other students around me and in the 20+ years since I was blessed to be a part of her classroom," said Matott. "I have continued to see and hear about students who have been touched by her nurturing teaching abilities. She has always taken the time to get to know each of her students as unique individuals, and she has a special way of appreciating each of their unique interests and qualities."
All of us have personal challenges, as children and adults. Matott, however, absolutely would not be here today if not for Mrs. Simmons. Although Matott was blessed with many amazing teachers at Greenville Central School, Mrs.Simmons did so much more than provide her with an education. She provided her with hope, and she taught her to believe in herself, to search for and stay true to her strengths, and, above all else, to have compassion for everyone.
"She taught me these things through her own demonstration and care for each and every one of her students," said Matott. "For me, coming from a family struggling on multiple levels, Mrs. Simmons offered help in the most gentle of ways and made sure those challenges never interfered with my education, both through her compassion and kindness. She nurtured my ability to find my strength through education and to rise above my circumstances with compassion. If she knew something was wrong, she never made me feel bad about it, but would pull me aside at an appropriate time and offer helpful solutions or ideas for solutions that helped me understand how to take care of myself and to love others."
Through deeds both big and small, Mrs. Simmons makes students feel comfortable to be themselves. She makes them feel like they matter, and that they have a hopeful future. Her attentiveness and care for students are proof of her commitment to producing a nurturing atmosphere and adhering to high moral and ethical standards. She would never let any darkness cross her students' faces if she could help it.
"Until she came into my life, I felt unwanted and that my life had little value in the world. Mrs. Simmons taught me how to put value into the world by being who she was, by showing care for each and every student, and having a remarkable sense of humor. She brought so many moments of joy to each and every day," said Matott.
"Some years after I graduated, I had the opportunity to pop my head into her classroom for a few moments and I walked into that same positive, loving atmosphere that she always has," said Matott. "Students were smiling, laughing, engaged and learning because she makes lessons relatable and light-hearted. I know I am far from the first student to be inspired by such a lovely educator, and I know there are students in her classroom right now being inspired."
Mrs. Simmons is a leader in many ways, as a mentor and friend to other teachers, and as a leader of extracurricular activities. When Matott was a student, Mrs. Simmons offered the unique opportunity to learn Calligraphy, a skill she uses so beautifully herself. Some of her students were not only fortunate enough to know how to read and write cursive, but how to write Calligraphy, as well.
Mrs. Simmons has been a teacher at GCS for roughly 25 years. In that time, she has always been highly regarded and is a beloved member of the faculty. If you were blessed to be one of her students, there is a warm room in your heart reserved just for her.
"She is a beautiful, gracious legend of a teacher, and I will never be able to thank her enough for all the good she has done," said Matott. "The best I can do is to try to give back to the world what she gave me me. But I want her to know that although this testament is long overdue, she is a LifeChanger. She changed my life for the better, not just with education, but with humanity, graciousness and a whole lot of humor."
Mrs. Simmons wasn’t just a 6th grade teacher. She was the 6th grade. She made my whole grade laugh and she protected us all. She would give us blankets if we were cold and tell us stories of her life. She would help us stay organized and made sure we were happy. She is undoubtedly my favorite memory within middle school. It’s so sad to hear that she left us all. I hope she knows how big of an impact she had on all of us. I love and thank you miss Simmons!
She was the best teacher I ever had, rest in peace
I think Mrs Simmons is a great teacher, she always makes Social Studies soooooo much fun by making a game out of the subject we are learning. I am in her awesome 6th grade classroom. I hope she wins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had Mrs. Simmons for 6th grade and I am very happy she is nominated. She is a great teacher and had an impact on my life at a early age while in school. Now that I work in IT at the same school I graduated from, Mrs. Simmons is the same kind and helpful teacher I remember from when I was in 6th grade. She also has adapted to the changing classroom by integrating technology into her lessons.
I've spent a good amount of time thinking about all the things I could say about Mrs. Simmons and see that many people have already articulated my thoughts. My sister and I had the privilege of being her students 6 years apart, and we both talk about her with a great fondness for different reasons. Her lessons were always engaging and interesting, and she didn't treat us like we were kids - she treated us like we were fellow human beings. The year that I had her for class was 2001, and I can remember very vividly being in her classroom the day after 9/11 talking about what had happened. Being so young at the time, I can remember how scared I was about the consequences of such a huge event on our future, and Mrs. Simmons was there to discuss, listen, and help us to understand as best we could. I attribute so much of my adult views and values to my education at Greenville's schools, and owe a lot of gratitude to major influencers like Mrs. Simmons. Thank you for caring about us and guiding us through the tough times and the good; I can think of very few people who are as lovely and as deserving as you are.
Mrs. Simmons truly is a life changer. She is currently my daughter's teacher and has already had an amazing impact on her. Sixth grade is a tough year full of changes for the children and she creates a welcoming, fun, safe and comfortable environment in her classroom. She is loving and compassionate. This showed during our sixth grade parent night when tears came to her eyes as she spoke of her students and her job. She genuinely loves what she does. Every night during dinner, when we share how our day has gone she comes up in the conversation. My daughter always wants to talk about something funny she said or how the class went that day. She also cannot wait to go to school so she can see her favorite teacher. Mrs. Simmons is a strong role model for all those who cross paths with her, students, staff and families alike. If anyone deserves this award it is Mrs. Simmons. I feel secure knowing that my child is in her care.
What a beautiful testament to an amazing educator! JoAnn's commitment to our students has been a consistent positive presence in the Middle School. She always finds a way to connect with each of her students, their families and the entire faculty and staff. She finds the good in everyone and always has a kind word of encouragement or recognition. She knows how to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome in her classroom. She has an infectious sense of humor and the students really enjoy her class. She frequently has visits from former students and makes it a priority to be accessible. It has been an honor to work with her for all of these years. JoAnn is, without a doubt, a life changer.
When you hear “teacher”, words like compassionate, dedicated, student centered, selfless, reflective, and innovative should come to mind. Mrs. Simmons is the embodiment of all those words and more. She consistently makes a positive difference in the lives of both her students and colleagues every day. Just as she lives her best life each day, she also challenges her students and peers to do the same. She has devoted her career to changing the lives - in the most amazing ways - of those students and colleagues who are fortunate enough to cross her path. If that isn’t the definition of Lifechanger, then what is? Thank you and congratulations on your nomination Joann!
Joann Simmons has the unique ability to see through the walls people hide behind and look into their hearts. This makes her an extraordinary educator, person, friend. She has inspired countless children to rise to the level of their true capabilities and numerous colleagues to be better teachers. I am grateful to work beside her, and aspire to be more like her.
She really is an amazing woman and teacher. We saw her not so long ago, and she knew it was me immediatly from elementary school! We caught up and when brody asked me to explain who she was, i said she was my school hero, the one who changed my entire educational career and turned me from a failing kid that hated school to an honors student that graduated a year early, and contuinted to do well all through my adult education....i can point exactly to her as what changed for me, i wish i could tell her what a diffrence shes made in my life even 20+ years later.
When I told my adult children , aged 24 & 29, that Mrs. Simmons was nominated, they both got smiles on their faces. My daughter said that Mrs. Simmons was her favorite teacher in 6th grade. My son said he loved her class. Then my 10 year old asked excitedly if he’d get to have her next year. I hope so!!!
Mrs.Simmons is kind and helpful. She is also very fun and funny. Mrs.Simmons lets you pick a prize from a bucket if you get a 100 or more on a quiz. Mrs.Simmons is the best.
Seeing Mrs. Simmons nominated for this award seems so fitting because she is indeed a life changer. I remember learning many things while her student, and still think about her whenever I see beautiful calligraphy on my Pinterest. Mrs. Simmons made a point to learn as much as she could about all her students and encouraged us to be our best. At the end of the year she threw a party together and spoke about everyone in my classroom one by one, at the end she would call the child up and present us with a gift to remember her by. I remember feeling so important when it was my turn, blushing and smiling while she spoke of my love for teddy bears and presented me with a book about teddy bears. That was the first time I had ever felt that someone really understood me, and she took the time to get to know every one of us in her class.
Best of luck Mrs. Simmons, you have changed and encouraged so many of us! Thank you so much for dedicating your life to us, I hope you realize that you have changed many peoples lives.
With Love,
Jessica (Silvia) Patrick
Class of 2002
Mrs. Simmons is an amazing, compassionate teacher. It is evident to me as a colleague and parent that she truly cares for every single one of her students. Congratulations! This is a very well-deserved nomination.
An amazing teacher who cares and gives 110%. Both of my girls had her as a teacher and are better people because of this.
Mrs.Simmons always encouraged me to challenge myself and not be afraid to ask questions. Her passion for history was obvious to everyone in class and it made social studies such a fun class. Her class made me love history and develop a passion for it to this day.
Thankyou!!! My grandsons are in a better place in their lives because of what you did for them
Mrs. Simmons is absolutely amazing. As a teacher, she motivated me to read, which led to my facination with history and ultimately to my acceptance and graduation from premier undergraduate and graduate programs. I am a lifelong learner because of Mrs. Simmons. This nomination is well-deserved and I pray Mrs Simmons never stops teaching. The world needs more teachers and leaders like her.
My daughter had Mrs Simmons and thought she was amazing! She always believes in every child and believes they have what they need to succeed. Mrs Simmons is very deserving of this!
I can't believe how timely this nomination is, since I was just thinking of Mrs.Simmons today when a local tv station advertised a "top teacher" segment and thought she should be nominated. Mrs. Simmons was my son's 6th grade teacher and is now my daughter's teacher. When my son entered 6th grade he was dealing with chronic unexplained fevers that kept him from school a lot. We struggled to figure out how to keep him on track. It was a very emotional and stressful time for my son and for us. Whenever we met with his team of teachers Mrs. Simmons empathy and caring heart was always so encouraging for us as parents and I know it was also for my son. In that time she was like an anchor for him. We knew he could always get the support he needed from Mrs. Simmons. As a teacher myself, I know how hard it can be to help students who are always behind and missing work, but Mrs. Simmons never lost her focus. Sometimes as teachers we get so caught up in teaching our "subjects" we forget that we are supposed to be teaching children. Mrs. Simmons is one of those teachers whose example reminds me and inspires me to always remember I'm teaching students first and my subject second. Both of my children have received such encouraging emails and notes in response to their questions about class issues and homework. Its evident she knows how to build rapport with students which is so important at their age to help them adjust and become successful. I truly hope you are selected for this award Mrs. Simmons!
I could not agree more. Mrs. Simmons does an amazing job making sure that the students coming from the elementary school have a smooth transition into the middle school. She is so caring and recognizes when a student may need just a little bit more. She has help numerous students learn how to be organized so they can be as successful as possible in not only their school years, but throughout their life. Many students have fallen under Mrs. Simmons' wings and she more than deserves this recognition!
I may not have had the opportunity to know Ms. Simmons for very long as my oldest is a current student but I already know she has the passion to be a wonderful teacher. My daughter has come home on many occasions talking about her and how much she likes her classes.
Ms. Simmons reminds me of one of my favorite teachers from high school and I'm positive she will be one my daughter remembers forever.
I am so happy to hear Mrs. Simmons was nominated for this award. She was my son's 6th grade teacher. She was the lead teacher that year. From the moment she introduced herself, her love of teaching children was evident. She is an encourager. She encourages not only the students, but parents as well so we all can come together for the student we want to succeed. Her room is warm and welcoming. The moment you enter you feel like you're visiting an aunt. She has fully come behind the school mission that everyone learns and teaches. She can see where a student excels and encourages/supports them to teach others. When you are around Mrs Simmons whatever she says you can do - you believe her that it can be accomplished. Greenville Central School is so blessed to have Mrs Simmons! Thank you for the encouragement and empowerment you give to every student you come in contact with Mrs. Simmons! You're amazing!
Three of my children have been students of Mrs. Simmons which should be interpreted as, "Three more students have been impacted by kindness, compassion, support, joy and a year filled with learning." Thank you Mrs. Simmons for being a wonderful you. You make the world a better place :)
I could not agree more. Mrs. Simmons does an amazing job making sure that the students coming from the elementary school have a smooth transition into the middle school. She is so caring and recognizes when a student may need just a little bit more. She has help numerous students learn how to be organized so they can be as successful as possible in not only their school years, but throughout their life. Many students have fallen under Mrs. Simmons' wings and she more than deserves this recognition!
I had Mrs. Simmons for social studies in 05-06. I cannot think of a more deserving person to recieve this nomination in all my years of education, including under grad and grad school. Congratulations Mrs. Simmons, you are a LifeChanger!!
-Emily
Mrs. Simmons truly makes an beneficial impact on each of her students. She encourages and helps you to grow not only academically but personally as well. Her classroom was always a safe and welcoming place for everyone. She is a wonderful teacher!
Always willing to help, always with a smile and a contagious laugh that turns bad days to good days.
Thank you JoAnn for all you do for G.C.S. students, teachers, colleagues, and parents.
Congratulations JoAnn! I so enjoyed working with you at Scott M. Ellis and missed seeing you on a daily basis when you moved up to the Middle School. Your enthusiasm for educating the whole child is a great strength. Congratulations !
Having Mrs. Simmons as a teacher for only one year does her no justice. She was always so bright and full of life as a teacher. Tragically the year she was my teacher a student at GCS was in an accident and it rocked our small district. Mrs. Simmons stayed strong and was a beacon of support and love during those tough times. I left GCS almost 6 years ago now and I saw Mrs. Simmons about a year ago, she still recognized me by name, knew who my younger sibling was, and genuinely cared for how I had grown. Mrs. Simmons is one of those teachers who truly impacts your educational course.
Best teacher I have ever had! She has made the greatest impression on me. I am so happy my little one has been blessed to have her as his teacher this year. Mrs. Simmons brings a smile on my face when I think about the great things she taught us, not only academically but also about being a good person and striving for your dreams.
No one deserves this more than Mrs. Simmons. I remember lots of laughter and really loving going to school because of her. A moment I remember vividly is when we had our sixth grade graduation ceremony. Teachers gave out awards to each student for various reasons. As an awkward sixth grader I had (what I thought at the time) the most awful curly, frizzy hair. I was self conscious about it, and hated it. Our class took a whale watching trip, and in her free time during the trip Mrs. Simmons collected sea glass. At our awards night she presented me with a hair clip SHE made out of said sea glass. Her words when she presented me with my award was “Laura has the most beautiful, full head of curly hair I’ve ever seen”. I have never forgotten that, and I think of that moment whenever I see her. To some people that may seem like not so big of a deal; but to a kid who hated what she saw in the mirror, it made a world of difference. Congratulations, Mrs. Simmons!!
Mrs. Simmons is wonderful, caring, warm and giving person. She wholeheartedly cares for her students. My son loved her as a teacher- he loved social studies and going to her class everyday. A few days after he completed sixth grade, a family pet died, and the very first thing my son did after he found out was email Mrs. Simmons. She wrote him back such a caring message, I will never forget that. She is the kind of person I strive to be. Joann Simmons is a life changer, not only for her students but for everyone her kindness and compassion has indirectly touched.
Mrs. Simmons definitely is one of a kind!!She is a great teacher and a kind and compassionate person..I was so happy my kids all had her for a teacher!! She certainly deserves this award!!
My daughter who has stated in the past that social studies is her least favorite subject came home after her first week of middle school and said it is now one of her favorites. She also went into middle school excited to meet Mrs. Simmons based on what older students had told her about the teacher. She says Mrs. Simmons is her absolute favorite teacher and she looks forward to school every day because of her. She truly deserves this nomination and the award itself.
Mrs. Simmons was my sixth grade teacher. If my memory serves me correctly I was in her first sixth grade class. I believe she was a reading teacher prior to that and she brought that love of reading to the class. I am an avid reader and I am writing a book. I owe Mrs. Simmons a special nod in the front of the book for her influence in my life!
JoAnn is not only an exceptional teacher, but a loved and trusted colleague. Not only is she there for anyone who needs help, a sympathetic ear or just a belly laugh, but seems to know exactly what is needed at exactly the right time. She is a truly fine person.
This is well deserved !!! Every student including my own children have nothing but positive nice things to say about Mrs. Simmons. Always a funny story or just a few extra minutes for ANY student that needs her.Congrats and thank you to this amazing teacher.
I am proud to call Joann a colleague and friend. Her dedication to students and the teaching profession are admirable. As a veteran teacher she continues to challenge herself, try new things, and push us all forward. Thank you for all that you do!
When I started at Greenville Joanne was a smiling face I knew I could go to to ask any questions I had. This is well deserved in many ways. The students love her class and her warm heart. She is a true gift to Greenville.
Well said! I wholeheartedly agree with Ms. Mattot’s testament that Mrs. Simmons is s lifechanger. Mrs. Simmons brings laughter and compassion wherever she goes. She mentors new teachers with the same attention and positive attitude. All know that she is deserving of this recognition.
Wonderful testament to a teacher that was a favorite of many.
Parents appreciated her presence in the middle school as did the students.
Thank you Mrs. Simmons and Greenville school.
My best bud in college and still to this day. She’s always there to listen!!!!
It has been, and continues to be, my honor to work with the students, faculty, and families of the Greenville community. I am blessed to be able to say that I love my job! My grandma used to always say, "Do what you love, love what you do...and you will never work a day in your life!" I have been so fortunate to make those words become my reality. I am so moved by my nomination, Audrey, that I have no words. You know that is something, because I am never at a loss for words! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! JoAnn
