Simon named Teacher of the Year

Sarah Simon was recently named as Milford School District Teacher of the Year

Milford School District announced this week that the Sarah Simon would represent them as Teacher of the Year in the state competition. Simon teaches at Evelyn I. Morris Early Childhood Center.

“Sarah’s leadership has been a huge asset to Morris and our district,” Dr. Kevin Dickerson, Superintendent, said. “We are fortunate to have her as part of the Milford family and we are very proud she will be representing our district as she advances to the statewide Teacher of the Year competition.”

Simon was born in Germany where her father was stationed in the Air Force but grew up in Milford after moving to the town when she was three. She is married to her husband, Jack, and they have three children, Haleigh who is eight, Piper who is six and Bo who is one. After graduating from Milford High School in 2008, Simon decided that teaching was the career for her.

“I can’t recall a specific moment in my life when I decided to become a teacher,” Simon said. “I have always loved children and hoped to make a positive impact on the lives of others, so this path just felt right. I graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (K-6) and a certification in Special Education (K-12). This led me to pursue a teaching position at Morris Early Childhood Center, where I have been teaching now for eight wonderful years.”

After teaching an inclusion Kindergarten classroom for two years, Simon began her journey as a Team Approach to Mastery (TAM) teacher. She and Jaime Hill share instructional responsibilities in the classroom. Simon stated that she has a passion for math and science while Hill has a passion for literacy which works out well for them. In 2018, Simon earned her Master’s in Instruction:  Teaching and Learning from Wilmington University.

“Having the opportunity to co-teach has given me the ability to provide my students with disabilities a way into general education rather than a way out,” Simon said. “In addition, I take great pride in my ability to build resiliency, social-emotional skills and empathy in my students. Children are not born with an innate ability to resolve social problems and manage emotions; they must be taught. I believe that the students who enter our classroom are provided a safe space to make mistakes, develop social emotional intelligence and reach their highest potential. My greatest accomplishments are the students who walk out of my classroom each year equipped with a growth mindset and a solid foundation of emotional regulation skills to handle what life may throw their way.”

Simon pointed out that it is in a child’s earliest years of life where the brain makes the most neurological connections and that these connections are essential for future development of self-regulation, problem solving, communication and many skills that prepare them to be successful adults.

“My greatest challenge as an early childhood educator is ensuring that my classroom is a safe learning environment where all learners can build positive relationships and have their diverse learning needs met,” Simon said. “I believe this to be a huge responsibility and one I do not take lightly.”

Simon will compete with 19 other teachers in the statewide Teacher of the Year competition at a later date.