Michelle Simmons

Chief Academic Officer
Charleston County School District
SC

Ms. Simmons is a native of Charleston, SC where she grew up in downtown Charleston and matriculated through the schools of Charleston County School District. She is a mighty bulldog through and through having graduated from Burke High School, South Carolina State University, and The Citadel. Over the last 26 years, Ms. Simmons has honorably served CCSD as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, Executive Director, and Associate Superintendent of the Elementary Learning Community.

In her current role as Chief Academic Officer, Michelle is tasked with leading nine of the district’s academic departments. She believes that her team’s work resides at the heart of teaching and learning and is grounded in Leading well and Serving well. Providing support around curriculum, instruction, and assessment is the core work of the Learning Services division. Ms. Simmons serves on the Superintendent’s Cabinet and works alongside a team dedicated professionals.

Outside of work, Michelle is intentional about helping and serving others. She is a mentor to a high school scholar through the O.K.R.A Soup Foundation and Geechie Girls Rock. She regularly volunteers at various church and community events incorporating literacy and books wherever she goes!

Ms. Simmons is passionate about education and believes that an education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. She is a powerful example of what can happen for scholars when their potential is recognized and nurtured.

She is the proud mother to one son, Ahmad, a graduate of Claflin University.