EduCurious Interview with Jennifer Simpson: Breaking Down Standards & Diving Into Data

Jennifer Halloran Simpson, a dedicated educator with deep community roots, shares her journey and insights on the EduCurious podcast. From her early inspiration from a beloved teacher to her current role as a mentor and leader, Jennifer's passion for education shines through.

Her journey began at Hillcrest Elementary, where she was mentored by Miss Anna Powell, igniting her love for teaching, particularly in math and science. This early mentorship shaped her philosophy of nurturing and guiding new educators. She emphasizes that new teachers need support, not just to survive, but to thrive. Jennifer's current role involves coaching teachers, helping them with standards, classroom management, and data analysis. She prioritizes building trust and providing constructive feedback in a non-evaluative setting, fostering growth and reflection.

Jennifer's leadership capacity has expanded through programs like the Polk County Aspiring Leadership Program. She highlights the importance of data-driven instruction and curriculum alignment. She has implemented a "continuous growth cycle" that involves analyzing student and teacher data, aligning curriculum with standards, and reflecting on progress. Her experience with Polk County's data dashboard has inspired her to create a similar tool for her school.

Grant writing is another area where Jennifer excels. She advises educators to connect with their county's education foundation and emphasizes the importance of knowing student needs. Catchy titles, clear proposals, and demonstrable student growth are key to successful grant applications. She also underscores the importance of documenting progress with photos and data to show donors the impact of their contributions.

Jennifer's approach to professional development emphasizes hands-on learning and capturing students' passion for science early on. She believes in creating engaging learning experiences that go beyond "sitting and getting." As a testing coordinator, she focuses on using data to track student progress and identify areas for improvement, helping students and teachers understand scale scores and benchmark alignments.

Curriculum planning is another area of expertise. Jennifer stresses the importance of understanding standards and designing lessons that meet diverse learning styles. She has even developed her own science curriculum, focusing on hands-on activities and real-world applications. For example, she uses a tug-of-war activity to illustrate balanced and unbalanced forces. She also explains how standards build upon each other from year to year, providing a clear progression for students.

When asked about her greatest accomplishments, Jennifer highlights the success of her students, emphasizing their growth as individuals and their contributions to the community. She believes in investing in students both inside and outside the classroom, fostering a sense of community and responsibility.

For new teachers, Jennifer advises finding a mentor, reflecting on experiences, and continuously growing. She also advocates for using available tools, including AI, to enhance teaching and learning. She uses AI tools like Magic School and ChatGPT to create engaging lessons, generate questions, and refine grant proposals.

Jennifer's dedication to education and her community is evident in every aspect of her work. Her passion for empowering students and teachers alike makes her a valuable asset to the field.

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