Each year, Chamblee receives a new crop of teachers, some of which have never worked in a high school before. One of these new people is Timothy Simmons, a new music teacher, who has worked at many different elementary and middle schools in DeKalb County. Simmons worked at Lizzie Elementary School Tucker Middle School, DeKalb Elementary School of Arts, and then Henderson Middle School. For the past several years, he was interested in teaching high school. He put in a transfer for Chamblee High and recently got a call from Principal Barnes. He now teaches music to all grade levels as well as many different courses including treble chorus, intermediate and advanced mixed chorus, musical theater, and drama.
Mr. Simmons never expected that he would end up as a teacher. He first worked as a full-time church musician but ended up transferring into the space of a music teacher. He found that he really enjoyed teaching, as it was a skill that came naturally to him. His inspiration for teaching came from his high school chorus teacher and a college professor. These teachers believed in him and pushed him to be a better leader.
“They really pushed me, and sometimes their comments were harsh, but I didn’t…let it destroy me. [Instead], it helped me to achieve and keep trying, and become a better musician.”
One of his students, Sela Sokol (‘27) has two classes with Mr. Simmons: musical theater and treble chorus. She noted that his teaching style contrasts with that of other teachers at the school.
Sokol said, “I think he is very different from our old musical theater teacher and his choices of teaching are very different than Ms. Lirette’s.”
Another student of his, Logan Schwartz (‘27) has Mr. Simmons for her 3rd-period Advanced Treble Chorus. She explained that he is very unique. She looks forward to learning from him, as it seems like he will be able to improve the class’s chorus abilities.
Ava Pyron (‘27) also expressed her excitement to have Mr. Simmons as a teacher. She is not in one of his classes but instead has Mr. Simmons for homeroom. She mentioned how he is often cheery and joyful. He often asks them about their weekend, wanting to get to know his students.
So far, Mr. Simmons has enjoyed teaching at the school, as he believes the school is nice and the students are polite. He hopes to keep students interested in singing and to create an environment where students strive to improve. He also wishes to meet the expectations of the students, emphasizing his hopes for acceptance among his students.
Mr. Simmons said, “[I hope my students will] give me a chance… and have mutual respect for our differences.”
Mr. Simmons is excited to take on this new year of teaching. He brings a new teaching style, with excitement and enjoyment in his work.
