Grade: 4th Grade
Name:
Mrs. Kinsey Simmons
Why you love working at CFA:
CFA has been a home to me in many ways. As an alumna of the school, with a love for children, it was only fitting that my first job was right here at CFA in ESD. While it has been many years since I have been part of the “team”, I have always believed in the academics here, being a product of them myself, but more importantly, I have seen and lived the fruit of the Biblical foundation that is built in each classroom. Having my own children here with me just means EXTRA joy! I know God has called me to teach, equipped me to teach, and commanded me to teach—how exciting to be able to do all of it from a Christ-centered worldview!
Experience:
In education since 2006, started at CFA in 2006, and returned in 2025
Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with ESOL Endorsement
State-certified Elementary Education teacher with ESOL and Gifted Endorsements
Experience teaching and tutoring K-6, across all subjects Taught Reading and Math with VIPKID to students in China.
Life Bible Verse:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23
Brief educational/department philosophy:
Learning can provide limitless opportunities: every day counts. Learning should be EXCITING. Reading can be EXCITING. In the upper grades, the goal shifts from learning to read, to reading to learn. Students must buy-in to the value of what they are being asked to do. Environment and mindset matter. From singing, dress-up, silly voices, and laughter, there really isn’t a whole lot I wouldn’t do (embarrassing or not) to seek to inspire my students. I’ve heard my whole life, “when kids know you care, they care.”; I am a product of that: my teachers cared. My desire is to create an environment where grace and mercy is modeled and explicitly taught because of the amazing love I have been shown in Jesus. Some plant, some water, but God provides the growth. (1 Corinthians 3:6-9)