2nd Grade • Rich Pond Elementary

Madeline Simms graduated from WKU with her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 2018, and found her home at Rich Pond shortly after and has been there ever since. She is
going into her sixth year of teaching second grade. She is proud to serve on her school’s Site Based Decision Making Council as well.

What has been the most rewarding part of being a teacher?

“The most rewarding part of being a teacher is knowing the lasting impact I have had on my students. There is nothing like having students come back to my classroom sharing the great things they are doing. Knowing I had a part in forming them into the people they are becoming fills me with pride.”

Why did you choose a career in education?
“I come from a long line of teachers, I am a 4th generation teacher. I credit my love for the classroom to my mom. I spent my childhood in her classroom. I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a teacher. I dreamt of what my classroom would be like one day while playing school with my siblings.”

What is your favorite book?
“My favorite children’s book is A Letter to My Teacher by Deborah Hopkinson. As an adult, The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a favorite of mine. I love to read!”

Madeline is married to her husband, Patrick, and they are proud dog parents to their Goldendoodle, Taffy. They enjoy being outside, and their favorite activities include hiking, boating and pickle ball.