Mrs. Susan Sims

My name is Susan Sims and I look forward to getting to your child this year.  Our classroom functions as a family and provides a nurturing environment to learn and make mistakes. In our class, students are encouraged to be curious, creative, and kind.  I believe that the key to learning is to find the modality that best fits each student. Our classroom provides a place for them to explore their curiosity, share their ideas and learn to listen and collaborate with others.   My philosophy is simple: Teach like I want(ed) my children taught.

I am starting my 39th year of teaching. I graduated from Clemson and taught for 14 years in Oconee County, SC before moving to Atlanta. In 2003, I joined Kittredge Magnet School, a lottery based public school in DeKalb County. There, I taught 4th and 5th grade Language Arts and Social Studies.  I sponsored clubs  such as : Beta Club, Scrabble, Conspiracy Theory, What’s in Word, Game Teachers, and many others. I  worked in the aftercare program which allowed me to connect with former students while assisting them with homework and projects.

My husband and I got married on July 4th- which only appropriate for a teacher of history, right?

We have 3 adult children: Ashley who lives in Florida, Courtney who lives in Greenville, and Charles who lives in Stuttgart, Germany. We have 9 grandchildren who amaze us and surprise us almost on a daily basis.  We have a Doberman, Jake, who gets all of our attention and keeps us busy.

We have a 3 acre mini farm called Dragonfly Farms.  As of July 2023, we have 14 hives of bees. Thanks to the bees, our garden has produced lots of cucumbers, zucchini, squash, assorted peppers ( bell, jalapeño, Carolina Reaper, Ghost Pepper), and tomatoes which have been shared with friends and canned or frozen for future use.

I believe that a successful classroom functions like a family. Each "family" member has their own unique personality and way of learning. Our "family" will be successful if we treat everyone with respect, kindness, patience, and compassion.   I look forward to meeting our " 2023-2024" family.