Congrats to Rita Simmons of Cleveland Elem., the 2013 APS Teacher of the Year!

The following statement is from the Atlanta Public Schools communications office:

Congratulations to Mrs. Rita Simmons, the 2013-2014 APS Teacher of the Year!

Rita Simmons is a gifted and talented teacher of students in kindergarten through the fifth grade at Cleveland Avenue Elementary School. Simmons received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Florida A & M State University. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in instructional technology from Georgia Southern University. 

Simmons' career in education started in Chicago at Westside Preparatory School, founded by Marva Collins. After relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, Simmons decided to continue her love for teaching by starting a consulting business specializing in school-reform-model professional development for teachers. She has taught in Cobb County as a fifth-grade teacher and transitioned in 2005 as a language arts and social studies teacher at World Changers Academy.

An advocate for children, Simmons is also the founder and CEO of a mentoring organization for girls. She is a passionate educator and visionary and is committed to making a difference beyond the walls of her classroom. Simmons believes that teachers embody the very essence of what it means to educate children.

Congratulations to Mrs. Simmons and all of her students and fellow teachers that have supported her.  Mrs. Simmons beat out KIPP WAYS Academy teacher, Nathaniel Snyder, and N. Atlanta teacher, Danielle Gilley Costarides.