20 UNDER 40: Quinshada Simpson

Editor’s Note: This feature originally ran in the annual 20 Under 40 magazine which was a part of the LaGrange Daily News July 31 edition. If you would like to pick up a copy of the 20 Under 40 magazine, please visit our office at 115 Broad Suite 101.

Quinshada Simpson is no stranger to recognition. This year she was named Troup County’s Teacher of the Year. However, Simpson, a 3rd grade English-Language Arts teacher at Ethel Kight Elementary School, is not resting on her laurels.

“In the past year, I had the honor of being named Troup County’s Teacher of the Year. This recognition has been incredibly rewarding and has motivated me to continue striving for excellence in my teaching,” Simpson stated.

The 31-year-old was born and raised in LaGrange and is going into her ninth year of teaching. Simpson struggled to pinpoint a favorite part of her profession but chose her student’s curiosity as a highlight.

“Watching my students develop a love for reading throughout the year would be at the top of my list,” Simpson said. “Seeing the excitement in their eyes as we read stories they can relate to or watching them get lost in a story is truly amazing.”

Simpson leads by example when teaching her kids the importance of an education. She has obtained a bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist degree, all in Elementary Education. Once again the teacher is a student, as she is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in Curriculum and Leadership, with a Tier 1 Leadership add-on.

While Simpson is, obviously, a lauded teacher, she has further aspirations in education.

“I aspire to become a school leader, beginning as an assistant principal and eventually advancing to the role of principal,” Simpson explained. “My goal is to leverage my experience and passion for education to drive positive change, support teachers, and create an environment where every student can thrive.”

In the little free time between teaching and being a student, Simpson is also the cheerleading coach for Ethel Kight’s cheerleading squad; coaching 3rd through 5th graders. As for extra-mural activities, she recently joined the Junior Service League.

Along with her “kids” at school, she has three of her own. Her oldest daughter is heading into sophomore year at LaGrange High School. Her two younger children will join their mom at EKE in the 1st grade and Kindergarten classes.

While the year has been an eventful one for Simpson, it seems to have only further energized her for the next chapter.

“Through effective leadership and a commitment to excellence, I hope to make a lasting impact on our school community,” Simpson said.

Simpson was also featured in LDN’s series on teachers of the year before she had been named the system-wide Teacher of the Year.

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