John Simms
Learning Resources Coordinator
Originally from Park Ridge, IL, John received his Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor Religion from St. Norbert College. John then went on to receive his Master’s Degree in Education from Aurora University. Prior to joining Beacon Academy as the Learning Resources Coordinator in 2019, John taught at The Gow School, a college preparatory boarding school for students with dyslexia where he instructed a phonics-based reading program, was a student advisor, athletic coach, dorm parent, and executive functioning coach. John is passionate about dyslexia education and he is excited to leverage his skills and knowledge to support neurodivergent students at Beacon Academy. He is proud of the way Beacon Academy is reimagining high school through a student-driven curriculum that is focused on whole human development. When he is not teaching, he enjoys golfing, skiing, and scuba diving. John, his wife Elizabeth, and daughter Edith reside in Glenview. When he is not teaching, he enjoys golfing, skiing, and scuba diving. John, his wife, Elizabeth, and daughter, Edith, reside in Glenview.