As a Presidential Awardee I feel so humbled and privileged to be selected by my peers for this prestigious award. To receive this kind of recognition just underscores the point (fact) that working with children and continually reflecting on my teaching practices has achieved the highest possible recognition for my educational endeavors. This honor is a culmination of my persistence in seeking and refining ways to improve and facilitate children's ongoing learning experiences.

Jeanette Simmons Pontotoc, MS | K-6, Science, 2008

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Jeanette Simmons began teaching in 1972 and has taught second grade at South Pontotoc Elementary School in the Pontotoc County School District since 1977. She currently teaches second grade inclusion, where she teaches science, mathematics, and other core subjects. Key elements of Mrs. Simmons's approach to teaching are encouraging interactive learning, focusing on students' strengths, and making each child feel special. She provides her classes with real-life science applications and challenges students to think logically while motivating them with positive feedback. Her second graders use the scientific method to explore nature and energy conservation and work in South Pontotoc's environmental center with plants and creatures native to Mississippi. She supplements in-school experiences with field trips, such as touring a coal mine and digging at an archaeological site. A parent credited Mrs. Simmons with inspiring a turnaround in her daughter, who formerly showed little interest in school but now talks excitedly about her latest science adventures. This parent also praised Mrs. Simmons for breaking down gender stereotypes (such as the idea that girls do not embrace science as much as other subjects). A colleague praised her not only for being an enthusiastic and caring teacher, but also for constantly seeking ways to deepen her knowledge and learn about the latest teaching strategies. Fellow teachers often seek her advice. She also participates in many conferences, seminars, and workshops to improve her teaching ability. Mrs. Simmons has won many awards, including an Otis Allen Scholarship in 2008 and the National Energy Education Development Project Rookie of the Year at the Primary Level for 2006-2007. Mrs. Simmons has an A.A. in liberal arts from Wood Junior College and a B.A. and an M.A. in elementary education from Delta State University. She is certified in kindergarten through eighth grade elementary education. She is also a National Board Certified Early Childhood Generalist and a certified administrator.

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