Mark Simmons

Dynamic educational leader with a proven track record at Chicago Public Schools, excelling in sports curriculum development and character-first coaching. Successfully implemented leadership programs for student-athletes, fostering campus culture and mental health advocacy. Passionate about youth empowerment and dedicated to mentoring the next generation of leaders.

• Texas Educator Certificate: Principal (EC–12)
• Illinois Teaching Certificate (Type 03)
• Illinois Administrative Certificate (Type 75) w/ Superintendent Endorsement
• Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA), 2014

• Cy Hope 'Champion for Hope' Award Winner, 2022
• California Angels 9th Round Draft Pick, 1990
• Dick Wantz MVP Award, 1992
• Idaho Statesman Newspaper – Boise Hawk 'Diamond Anniversary' All-Decade Team, 1990s
• Northwest League Batting Champion & All-Star, 1993
• MIB Championship Teams, 1991, 1993, 1994
• MLB Scholarship Recipient, 1996–2000
• Richard C. Haley Scholarship Recipient, 1997, 1998
• Dean’s List – CSU, 1997, 1998
• Illinois General Assembly Legislative Scholarship Recipient, 2004
• 'Man of the Year' Finalist – Black Woman’s Magazine, 2005

• Member – Chicago State University Alumni Association
• Member – Illinois Athletic Directors Association
• Member – Professional Baseball Players Association
• Founder/Owner – Inspire the Field, LLC

• Founder, Inspire the Field
• Featured on, Hawk Talk, WVON 'Talk of Chicago', Pitch in Campaign for New Fields
• Host/Presenter, Inspire the Field youth empowerment series

• High school exit examinations: Does the good outweigh the bad?, Simmons, M., 2009, Illinois School Journal, pp. 26–46
• The Relationship Between Interscholastic Sports Participation and Minority High School Students' Leadership Ability, Simmons, M., 2011, Doctoral Dissertation
• Athletic Reform—Pittsburgh Stalls, Chicago Notices, Simmons, M., 2013, Swim & Water Polo Camp News Supplement

• TSU Virtual Meeting of the Minds, 2022
• TSU 'Student-Athletes Sense of Self (SOS)' – Healthy Relationships, 2021
• WVON Talk of Chicago, Hawk Talk, Pitch in Campaign

• Assistant Principal, Morgan Park High School – Chicago Public Schools, 08/01/13 - 05/01/14, Oversaw student culture and extracurricular alignment, including academic support for student-athletes.
• Assistant Principal, John D. Shoop Academy – CPS, 08/01/09 - 05/01/11, Led curriculum integration for physical education and social-emotional learning with a focus on sports discipline.
• Assistant Principal, Esmond Elementary School – CPS, 08/01/07 - 05/01/09, Implemented early leadership programs for student-athletes and school-wide discipline initiatives.
• E.S.S.P. Camp Instructor, Bronezville Military Academy – CPS, 08/01/05 - 05/01/07, Developed camp curriculum emphasizing teamwork, responsibility, and early college/career readiness through sports.
• Physical Education Teacher, Ninos Heroes Academy – CPS, 08/01/00 - 05/01/07, Taught and coached student-athletes across various levels, integrating academic tracking and wellness coaching.
• Professional Baseball Player, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, 06/01/90 - 10/01/96, Drafted 9th round, 1990. Achieved multiple team and individual awards while serving as mentor and community representative.