LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Becky Simants was nominated by her colleague, Stephanie Wolf.

Mrs. Simants is not only a genuinely caring, thoughtful person, but a LifeChanger. She has had cancer for over 10 years and has never let that be an excuse to hold her back. The medication she takes to keep the cancer in remission causes side effects, such as severe pain in her extremities. Despite the pain, she is at school every day for the students, giving them her best. At home, she is the mother to three children, including one who had a kidney transplant as a fifth grade and is in need of another.  She is also a loving grandmother to two beautiful granddaughters. Her management of the adversities in her personal life is admirable, but what's most amazing is her generous, kind soul. She offers her spirit to students and staff through smiles, hugs, encouraging words, and a listening ear. 

Mrs. Simants has served the students of Brady School District for 22 years. She joined the staff as the K-12 Special Education Teacher, touching the lives of both elementary and secondary students and teachers. After completing her Master’s degree in school counseling, she worked as the K-12 counselor for several years. Currently, she serves a dual role in the elementary school as K-6 Counselor and Title I teacher. These combined positions provide her the opportunity to be in daily contact with students.

Another one of the many roles Mrs. Simants has played in her years of service is the part of junior class sponsor. This created one more opportunity for her to create unique, meaningful relationships with students. During her years of serving as junior class sponsor, she was even awarded The Friend of the Fire Department award in Brady for all of her volunteer hours. 

Mrs. Simants is an asset to students in the classroom.  She is helpful, not only in resolving conflict with the skills she gained from her counseling degree, but with making sure all students are achieving at their highest levels.  She has the uncanny ability to reach all students, even those who seem like they cannot be reached. Mrs. Simants believes all students are capable of great things and expects them to perform as such.  She pushes students in a firm, but loving way. Her growth mindset is something she works hard each day to share with students and staff. 

Mrs. Simants has been on many committees throughout her time at Brady Public Schools. Her latest committee work is the School Improvement Committee, where she gives insight into what it may look like for special education students to help with the Targeted Improvement Goal. She is also on the Student Assistance Team, where again, she is looked at for questions pertaining to special education.  Mrs. Simants is the leader of her district's MTSS meetings, as well. In this role, she helps with determining which students are placed in interventions and completing data collection through progress monitoring and benchmarking. She is also the coordinator of activities for high ability learners at Brady Public Schools. While many would feel overwhelmed at having to undertake a position that requires such creative thinking, Mrs. Simants takes on the challenge with great joy and excitement.  She lives to challenge students each day!

Many students feel comfortable talking to Mrs. Simants. She gives the students the opportunity to talk and helps them problem-solve through issues, no matter what they may be. If students need any other type of information, Mrs. Simants is the person they turn to in all sorts of situations. She is often the one to have difficult conversations with students. Her ability to tell it like it is in a gracious way has helped her gain the respect of many students, young and old. She speaks to students like the intelligent and competent individuals they are.  Mrs. Simants lets every child she comes into contact with each day know they are loved and cared about if they are with her. She asks them questions about their day and has a genuine interest in the happenings of their lives, both in and out of school.

Mrs. Simants is someone who has strong faith and enjoys being a part of her church, but doesn't push this upon others. She expects everyone around her to adhere to the rules set by the administration. She has high expectations for all and a strong belief that we are all capable of meeting those expectations. Mrs. Simants wants everyone to follow policies, including herself. She would never ask someone to do something that she is not willing to do herself as well.  As a special education teacher, she has always been held to a higher standard considering that Education Plans are legal documents one must follow. She always holds herself accountable to these documents. 

"Without Becky, I would be lost. As a new special education teacher, she is a great mentor to me," said Wolf. "She helps keep me apprised of what I need to know, but still gives me the opportunity to learn and grow from my mistakes. She is a wonderful, caring person who never seems to let anything get her down, even when she is in a lot of pain.  Becky is a great resource to us all and has many years of experience and ideas to share. Becky attempts to answer whatever questions we ask or solve whatever problems we throw at her. As a staff, we are thankful for Becky and everything she does and gives to us all."