January’s Teacher Feature Winner: Lisa Simmons

RICHLANDS, Va. (WVVA) - Before Lisa Simmons became a guidance counselor she was a kindergarten teacher for 10 years. She made the transition to be a school counselor 24 years ago and has been helping children at Richlands Elementary School ever since.

She’s being recognized for her dedication by being January’s Teacher Feature winner.

“I wasn’t ready actually to leave the classroom but I just wanted to be able to interact and help a lot more students. I wanted to be more available and really focus on some needs that they needed. Because I would see it in my classroom so that was the main reason,” said Simmons.

Simmons was nominated because she went out of her way to help a student who was having a hard time after her father was diagnosed with cancer. Simmons walks the young girl into the school every day and even makes sure to visit her during class time.

“I didn’t even have a qualm about doing it. I just wanted to make sure she felt safe and that she knew that we were here for her. It’s a whole school effort. I mean everyone here is glad to do that,” said Simmons.

Simmons says another activity she likes to do for the children at the school is gathering Christmas gifts for those who are less fortunate. She says she can’t take all the credit for the work she does. She says it’s a team effort from the entire community.

If you would like to submit a nomination for WVVA and Cole Chevy’s Teacher Feature you can do so by clicking HERE.

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