Dr. Rosanne Simeone Receives University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award

Dr. Rosanne Simeone, Upper School Humanities teacher and department chair, received the University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award. 

An Outstanding Educator shapes young minds in meaningful ways — thoughtfully approaching instruction, sharing an infectious love for learning, positively impacting their lives, and caring for students both inside and outside of the classroom. Each year, newly admitted UChicago students have the opportunity to reflect on their time in school and nominate an educator who played a significant role in their education and whose influence has brought them to where they are today. Recent alum and UChicago freshman Ally Alvarez ’22 nominated Dr. Simeone.

She truly cares for everyone she teaches! — Ally Alvarez ’22

“While Dr. Simeone always challenged me in the classroom and went above and beyond to help me become a better writer, she was more importantly a mentor for all of her students," says Alvarez. "She always made sure to check in on me and would lend an ear to everyone in our advisory. She truly cares for everyone she teaches!”

Fellow St. Anne's alum and current University of Chicago student Tyler Brown ’22 adds, “Dr. Simeone brings not only depth in knowledge and experience, but also an immense passion for the literary world that she shares with her students. Her classes spark intellectual curiosity in every student, driving them to explore new ideas and partake in rich discussions in and outside of the classroom. More importantly, Dr. Simeone fosters an environment of care and respect wherever she goes so everyone feels they belong — an aspect so critical to the success of our school community.”

In a release, the University of Chicago stated it “is honored to recognize excellence in teaching and sincerely congratulates this year’s Outstanding Educator Award winners, who are exceptional in their field and role models for all students. The University deeply appreciates the lively minds who thirst for knowledge that these educators have nurtured and inspired. We thank them for going above and beyond the call of duty every day and leaving an impression that will be carried over a lifetime.”

All award winners have been invited to a virtual event celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 8. They will receive a commemorative award, certificate, and letter that includes details from the student they were nominated by. 

This award tells me that we have collaborated to create something bigger, something that bursts beyond the walls of our school, because the students who have honored me with this distinction will absolutely initiate real change in our world. — Dr. Simeone, P. ’21 & 23

“I am thrilled to know that my students have found joy and purpose in our classroom,” says Dr. Simeone. “The craft of teaching makes space for all kinds of conversations, ranging from writing skills to issues of social justice and global empathy. This award tells me that we have collaborated to create something bigger, something that bursts beyond the walls of our school, because the students who have honored me with this distinction will absolutely initiate real change in our world.”

Additional information regarding the University of Chicago Outstanding Educator may be found here. For questions about applying to the Upper School at St. Anne's-Belfield, please visit the US admission page.