Karen Simms

Background

About Karen Simms

I have over 30 years of experience as a middle school educator in both math and social studies. Approximately 15 of the most recent years have been spent teaching Individuals and Societies in the Middle Years Program in an International Baccalaureate certified school. This inquiry and project based model has allowed me to teach to the whole child and encourage growth and a love of learning in each student. In early 2021, I learned about the Modern Classrooms Project and I quickly integrated the blended, mastery based, and self paced model for teaching into my own classroom. Success with this model inspired me to become a Modern Classrooms Project Expert Mentor in the spring of 2022. I have enjoyed working virtually with teacher-peers in this role of mentor. I love being able to help other educators learn and use the model to build a successful classroom environment that reaches every student. Some of my other professional experiences include the following:Social Studies Department Head at Hillside Middle School 2018-2023New Teacher Mentor 2017-2023District Grading Committee member, 2018, 2023Galileo Teacher Leadership Program 2003-2005Private Tutor, math 1995-2022