Meet Westonka's First Feature Teacher of 2012-13 School Year

By Lorrie Ham

The first Feature Teacher of the new school year is Sue Simonson, a business education teacher at Mound Westonka High School and the district's technology integrationist.

Simonson has taught in the Westonka District for eight years, following one year teaching in the Robbinsdale School District and three years teaching in Iowa City, IA. This year, Simonson teaches computer science, game programming, accounting and 21st century technology, and in the past taught accounting II, web design and advanced game programming. She now splits her time between teaching and working as the district’s technology integrationist.

Simonson received a Bachelor of Sciences in business education from the University of Wisconsin-Superior and her Masters in business education from Radford University in Virginia.

Outside of the classroom, Simonson has been DECA advisor for five years; link crew advisor for six years; business department chair for seven years; celebrations committee member for five years, and lead for TILT (Technology Integration Learning Team) for the past two years.

In addition to her education experience, Simonson spent 15 years as a programmer and support manager in the public safety industry for a small software firm in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

“Living and working in the Westonka district has been a great experience for my family and me,” said Simonson. “The support teachers get from the schools, parents and local community is amazing.”

Simonson received Google Apps for Education Individual Certification the past two years and received the 2008 TIES Exceptional Teacher Award.

"Sue Simonson is one of the most gifted educators that I have worked with," said assistant principal Marty Fischer. "Her talent is so multi-faceted—from her classroom teaching ability, her ability to connect with students through link crew and advisory, and her work with leading our district with technology integration. She has supported Westonka schools through donated time, energy and resources in so many programs and has a particular passion for student celebrations. Sue truly has a heart for kids and matches that with her heart for adults. We are lucky to have her in Westonka. She is one of a kind!"

Each Feature Teacher winner receives a certificate for a brunch for two at Lord Fletcher’s.