Guest Bio:
Inspired to become an educator by her own teachers, Zestlan Simmons, a National Board Certified teacher, was once told by a family friend to “reconsider her options” when she shared her dream. However, for her, the joy of seeing students engaged in mastering writing skills has been the catalyst for pursuing her dream. This love of empowering students with the awareness of their capabilities led her to return to Booker T. Washington (BTW) Magnet where she once benefited from an arts education through the Carver Creative and Performing Arts Program (CCPAC), which is now BTW. In her role as an educator at BTW, she contributes to cross-curricular planning initiatives, which encourage art and academic teachers to collaborate on special projects and classroom instruction. In 2017, she pursued a certification in Instructional Leadership so that she could continue to mentor new teachers. Her greatest joy has been to see her former students become teachers in Montgomery, in Alabama, and in the nation. In her spare time, which is very little, she travels, reads, and cooks all types of cuisine.
About This Episode:
Join two southern sistas as we stroll through the birthplace of the civil rights movement and adhere to India.Arie’s “Prayer for Humanity”. Listen and learn from a Montgomery, AL educator (who has an official day named in her honor and who also happens to be the 2019 Alabama Teacher of the Year) as Zestlan Simmons discusses dueling dragons, ELA & the performing arts, survival skills and the importance of making curriculum fit your students. Then cool down by standing up like Cynthia Erivo insists. This is an episode you won't want to miss!
For More Information:
Visit www.stillstacey.com for questions about the show, host or scheduling inquiries. To learn more about the guest, contact her directly on Twitter (@ZestlanSimmons), Instagram (@zsimmons99) or on Facebook (@Zest Simmons).
