Bridgette Simpson
to think and problem solve. I feel like I
was born to be a teacher.

5 T H - G R A D E T E AC H E R AT K E E N E
M I L L E L E M E N TA RY S C H O O L I N
SPRINGFIELD, VA
Why do you think teachers are essential?
Teachers have the opportunity to make a
diff erence in individual students, but also
to a society in general. We can help our
students develop the knowledge, critical
thinking skills and love of learning that
are so crucial to the advancement of an
innovative and successful society. A sin-
gle teacher can make a diff erence in the
lives of their students that is carried on
for years. It’s a huge responsibility, but
one that all teachers can be proud of.

Nominated by Alan Simpson:
“She is a teacher who has taken advantage
of modern class seating and structure.

Firm but fair. She has consistent upward
trending testing and also grades that show
massive improvement from day one to the
end of the year. She keeps kids engaged and
uses their interests to guide them in a Blue
Ribbon school. She is my wife, but a long-
time veteran of school systems who knows
how to bring the learning. She has awesome
relations with fellow teachers and parents,
all while raising a family.”
What initially got you interested in teaching?
I come from a family of teachers. My
grandfather was a teacher and principal,
my father was a teacher and college pro-
fessor, and I have numerous aunts, uncles
and cousins who are also teachers. So,
valuing education is something that has
been instilled in me from a very young
age. I love sharing knowledge and helping
others develop their creativity and ability
What is the single best piece of
advice you can give parents?
Let your kids be kids. Support them and
encourage them to be good students,
but remember that physical, social and
emotional development is just as import-
ant. Children need to be allowed to
develop into well-rounded, confi dent,
kind, creative citizens. Also, teaching is
a team eff ort that relies on positive par-
ent-teacher connections. When we work
together, we are so much more use-
ful than if we are working against one
another. Healthy parent-teacher rela-
tionships are a crucial part of developing
successful students.

Bridgette “I come from a
family of teachers.

So, valuing education
is something that
has been instilled
in me from a
very young age.”
BRIDGETTE SIMPSON
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