My philosophy of teaching consists of creating a stimulating learning environment that asks the students to think for themselves. I urge students to demonstrate self-respect by creating work that is the best they can do and to continually improve the variety of skills needed to become a mature thinker, reader, and writer. I strive to be as supportive as my students need me to be.
Contact Info
908-713-4199 x 4503
lsimpson@nhvweb.net
Teacher Biography
I live in the area with my husband John and our daughter Shannon. John is a North alumnus and former North teacher and soccer coach. He is currently an assistant principal at Voorhees High School. Shannon is in seventh grade and loves softball, theater, dancing, and tumbling. Some of my favorite activities include volleyball, softball, tennis, kayaking, hiking, and biking. I am a voracious reader of all genres; as of this writing, I am reading City of Thieves by David Benioff. Game of Thrones, Better Call Saul, and Top Chef are my must-watch tv shows.
This summer was a mix of some travel, adventure, play, and work. In June, we took a wonderful family trip to Canada to see Niagara Falls, a first for all three of us. We sent Shannon to her first sleep-away camp in the Adirondacks, which John and I parleyed into a rare getaway at the charming Big Moose Inn. We kayaked, mountain-biked, hiked and had some delicious meals. The month of July can be summed up with one word: softball; Shannon played, John coached, and I cheered. I went stand-up paddleboarding for the first time, which is much less intimidating than I thought it would be! I recommend checking out Mauknalu at the Shawnee Inn on the Delaware. Fran is an excellent teacher and guide! Because of work, we had to sideline a trip planned to Acadia National Park but will definitely visit next summer. I also spent a lot of time working as the project manager for the Room 110 Classroom Redesign Project and rethinking my lesson plans to see how I can adjust my instruction to maximize our new learning space.
I love being a part of the North community. I have had the pleasure of working with many interesting, thoughtful, and entertaining kids. I have met and come to know so many supportive parents who appreciate my efforts to nurture their children. My colleagues are outstanding teachers, mentors, and friends. These relationships are what I love most about teaching at North. In addition, this school creates an incredibly rich and diverse learning culture, and it never fails to spotlight and celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of its students.!
A native Paramus, New Jersey Spartan, I studied at Stockton University and Caldwell University, and I worked and paid my way through school. Inspired by one of my high school English teachers, Ms. Ruby Bishar, I entered college with the purpose of becoming a teacher, but my shy nature and fear of public speaking delayed my pursuit of what I believe is my true calling. Though I completed my undergraduate degree in English Literature, I spent ten years working as a bond analyst of mortgage-backed securities in New York City. In 2006, I returned to graduate school to earn my secondary English teaching certification and am currently working on my Master of Arts in literacy.
This is my thirteenth year teaching English at North, and I am constantly working to improve my teaching practice, always seeking innovative and effective ways to help my students grow and reach their goals. Teaching is my labor of love, and I love my students.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and learn more about me. I look forward to getting to know you this year.
