Principal of private middle school in North City
Special to The American
Jim Rohn said, “Leadership is the challenge to be something more than average.” This quote epitomizes Kwame Simmons and the challenge that he has embraced since becoming the principal of Imagine Academy of Careers Middle School in the Spring of 2008.
The school is located in the inner city of North St. Louis, in a ZIP code that currently has the highest crime rate in the city. Over 95 percent of its students live in low socioeconomic conditions.
Despite all of the challenges” faced by Simmons and the teachers he leads, he was determined to show the students in his charge that he not only believed they could learn, but that they deserved the right to have the same opportunities that are afforded to their suburban counterparts.
In an effort to accomplish his goals, Simmons approached each challenge with “out-of-the-box” thinking and a “by any means necessary” attitude. His efforts have produced results.
Imagine Academy students demonstrated an average learning gain of 1.5 years on the 2008-2009 Terra Nova Test.
Students also achieved an overall 12 percent increase in the 2008-2009 MAP scores.
Simmons developed a long-term partnership with Robert Marzano and Associates to implement a research-based curriculum design and delivery of instruction to increase academic achievement.
Simmons leads by example, understanding that good leaders must serve those they lead. He does lunch duty and substitutes in classes when time allows.
He established a safe and orderly learning environment where each individual is accountable for academic success and must adhere to the school’s Core Principles: Respect, Responsibility and Safety.
He has set and maintains the highest set of expectations for his team requiring teachers to demonstrate growth by continuing their education and seeking professional development opportunities.
He also established community partnerships with St. Louis Science Center, Missouri Conservation Agency, and the St. Louis Zoo to obtain resources, real-world experiences and career exploration for his school’s students in the area of science.
He established a partnership with Kumon of North America to provide research-based best practices to increase student achievement in the area of math.
He facilitated the establishment of a partnership that provides opportunities for students to obtain Job Shadow experiences and career exploration with local companies through a partnership with Junior Achievement.
Simmons operated within the school’s means by ending the year with a significant surplus in the school budget.
He established clear policies and procedures to deter fraud and enhance financial oversight as it relates to purchasing, payroll and cash management.