Simms was also the 2023 Teacher of the Year
By Barb Pert Templeton
During a recent city council meeting Councilman Corey Blair presented former Algonac High School teacher Mark Simms with an Algonac Asset Award. In addition, Simms was selected as the 2023 Algonac Teacher of the Year.
“The Algonac Community Schools Teacher of the Year program honors outstanding educators who have exhibited creativity, enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the life of their students,” Blair said.
Simms taught science and physical education at Algonac High School for 29 years. He was chosen the 2023 Teacher of the Year for his dedication to teaching, and for his ability to form excellent relationships with his students; most notably his ability to make science fun and exciting. Blair noted that Simms had been nominated eight times before winning the honor.
Over the years, Simms has also coached football, track, girls’ basketball, and volleyball, and sponsored the Outdoor Club and Chess Club.
Blair read the award to Simms noting he was an educator who not only went above and beyond but also provided a positive influence in the lives of all students. His dedication, leadership, and professionalism have truly been a gift to the Algonac Community School District, where he will be missed, Blair said.
Algonac’s 2023 Teacher of the Year Mark Simms reflects on his time with Algonac Community Schools during a recent council meeting where he was honored with the Algonac Asset Award.
Simms has moved on and teaches in the East China School District now, he’s the science, biology, and chemistry instructor at Marine City High School. He attributes his career success to his supportive family, including his wife Beth, and six children.
“The Algonac Asset Award to Mr. Simms is given with great pride that we acknowledge your outstanding leadership and commitment to education which earned you the 2023 Teacher of the Year at Algonac Community Schools,” Blair continued. “We are grateful for your dedication for the betterment of all children to your kind-hearted devotion to education. The support and attention you give to all students is truly an inspiration and has been a gift to Algonac Community Schools.”
Blair noted that the Asset Award being presented was signed by the city’s mayor, Rocky Gillis, who is also a former student of Simms.
“We’re proud to call you one of our own,” Blair added.
“I have to say that teaching in Algonac as many years as I did was absolutely a joy,” Simms said. “And as I expand outward to Marine City, I still bring the same energy and the same positivity and try to make people not only enjoy science but enjoy learning.”
“I appreciate everything Algonac has given me in the past and I miss you but I appreciate where I’ve been,” Simms added.
During the council comments at the end of the meeting, several council members offered additional thoughts to Simms for his recent honor.
“Mark Simms teacher of the year, a lot of people know him he’s a great guy, I don’t but I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things so congratulations to him,” Blair said.
“Congratulations to Mark Simms,” Councilman Ed Carter said.
Councilwoman Dawn Davey said she had a flashback of having parent-teacher conferences with Simms with two of her stepchildren.
“And that was kind of scary,” Davey joked.
Mayor Pro Tem Ray Martin thanked Simms for being the kind of teacher that he’s been in Algonac.
“It’s a loss that he’s going up to Marine City and a gain for them but thanks Mark,” Martin said.
Mayor Rocky Gillis also thanked Simms and recalled that he was a student in a 9th grade science class which was during Simms very first year of teaching.
