Grade Six Teacher & Dean of Academics
Vanessa Simo stepped into the role of dean of academics at Pine Cobble School in September 2023 after a year as a reading specialist there. She earned her MEd from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, with a focus on meeting the needs of diverse learners. She is trained in Orton-Gillingham, a structured, multisensory approach to phonics instruction, and she has a strong educational background in psychology and human development. Prior to joining Pine Cobble School, Vanessa taught history and worked as a reading intervention professional.
Vanessa brings to this position her educational philosophy that every classroom should be representative of its students, because students need to see themselves in what they are learning. She believes that when lessons are built around student interests and strengths, learners are better able to explore, create, and succeed. She also believes that every student must learn self-advocacy skills and be given opportunities to give and receive constructive feedback. Vanessa strives to support the creation of spaces in which students feel represented, heard, seen, and empowered.
MEd, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts