Laura Simmons
US History/Government Teacher
Chapel Hill,TN
Summary
With over two decades of dedicated service in the middle school classroom, I bring a wealth of experience and passion for teaching history. Throughout my 21 years of teaching, I've cultivated a dynamic approach to education, fostering an environment where students not only learn about the past but also engage with its relevance to the present and future. Beyond the classroom, my background in event planning and coordination has honed my ability to orchestrate seamless experiences, while my adeptness in building business relations underscores my commitment to collaboration and community engagement. With finely tuned organizational skills, I am adept at managing complex tasks with precision and efficiency, ensuring both educational excellence and operational effectiveness in all endeavors.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work History
8th Grade US History Teacher
Bedford County Schools
08.2021 - Current
- Led professional development workshops for fellow educators on effective teaching strategies for US history courses.
- Communicated objectives for all lessons, units and projects to students and parents.
- Assigned daily lesson plans designed to motivate students and allow for creativity.
- Sat in on classes of fellow teaching professionals to learn innovative methods for dispensing information to students.
- Implemented new technologies into classroom, boosting student understanding of subject matter.
- Cultivated relationships with parents for complete support network.
Event Coordinator
Bell Buckle Events
08.2006 - 11.2022
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless event execution and positive outcomes.
- Secured high-quality entertainment acts, enhancing attendee enjoyment and generating buzz around events.
- Adapted quickly when faced with unexpected challenges or changes in plans, maintaining composure while finding effective solutions.
- Established positive relationships with clients, ensuring their needs were met throughout the event planning process.
- Enhanced attendee experience by meticulously planning and executing event logistics.
- Cultivated strong partnerships with local businesses, securing in-kind donations or sponsorships for various occasions.
6th Grade World History Teacher
Liberty School
08.2019 - 07.2021
- Employed appropriate teaching methods to cater to individual educational needs of each student.
- Maintained regular verbal and written communication with school counselors and parents to update with student progress, class schedules and important test dates.
- Participated in school district meetings and parent-teacher conferences to give insight into student progress and curriculum plans.
- Mentored new teachers within the department, sharing expertise in instructional strategies and classroom management techniques to promote success in their roles.
4th/5th Grade Science/Social Studies Teacher
Liberty School
08.2012 - 08.2019
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
- Chaperoned field trips to maintain safety and encourage learning.
- Established and enforced rules of behavior to drive social development and maintain positive interactions.
- Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies and social skills.
- Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings and meet learning needs.
7th/8th Grade ELA Teacher
Liberty School
08.2004 - 07.2012
- Evaluated academic skills of each student through verbal assessments, graded assignments and standardized tests.
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
- Supported student skill development in alignment with personal and academic goals.
- Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth.
- Taught age-appropriate spelling techniques, grammar rules and language skills.
- Promoted effective verbal and written communication through listening, speaking, reading and writing practice.
Elementary Deaf Education Consultant
Bedford County Schools
08.2002 - 07.2004
- Provided recommendations for modification, development or improvement of educational programs suitable for deaf students.
- Provided ongoing coaching and mentoring to other teachers and administrators to improve relationships with and school experience for deaf students.
- Integrated with educators to create successful teaching aids and instructional materials, assisting learners.
- Created school curriculum to integrate technology and enhance quality of student education.
- Collaborated with school board officials to assess areas for improvement in curricula, classrooms, testing and student activities.
- Partnered with school administrators, teachers and parents or guardians to provide students with appropriate and adequate counseling support in school.
- Met with students to conduct individual assessments to determine academic and mental health needs.
Education
Master of Arts - US History And Government
Ashland University
Ashland, OH 07.2021 - Current
Teacher Space Camp graduate -
US Space And Rocket Center
Huntsville, AL 07.2015 - 07.2015
Sign Language Teacher certification -
Tennessee School For The Deaf
Knoxville, TN 04.2004 - 04.2004
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Martin Methodist College
Pulaski, TN 09.1998 - 05.2002
High School Diploma -
Chancellor High School
Fredericksburg, VA 09.1994 - 06.1998
Skills
Organizational ability
undefinedAccomplishments
- National Council for the Social Studies – Conference Co-Chair, Nashville 2023
- TN Council for the Social Studies – President Spring 2022 – Spring 2025
- Middle TN Geocacher’s Club – Past President, Past VP, Past Secretary
- Center for Civic Engagement – James Madison Legacy Expansion Project participant
- Center for Civic Engagement – Project Citizen School Facilitator
Affiliations
Tennessee Council for the Social Studies
President 2022-2025
Board member since 2017
Timeline
8th Grade US History Teacher
Bedford County Schools
08.2021 - Current
Master of Arts - US History And Government
Ashland University
07.2021 - Current
6th Grade World History Teacher
Liberty School
08.2019 - 07.2021
Teacher Space Camp graduate -
US Space And Rocket Center
07.2015 - 07.2015
4th/5th Grade Science/Social Studies Teacher
Liberty School
08.2012 - 08.2019
Event Coordinator
Bell Buckle Events
08.2006 - 11.2022
7th/8th Grade ELA Teacher
Liberty School
08.2004 - 07.2012
Sign Language Teacher certification -
Tennessee School For The Deaf
04.2004 - 04.2004
Elementary Deaf Education Consultant
Bedford County Schools
08.2002 - 07.2004
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Martin Methodist College
09.1998 - 05.2002
High School Diploma -
Chancellor High School
09.1994 - 06.1998
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