SJR STATE ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS

FEBRUARY 2016

Aubrie Simpson (2010) K-5 Intervention/ESE Teacher

Each week, St. Johns River State College will honor one of its own in an alumni salute, celebrating the career milestones, community contributions and personal reflections of those who began their collegiate journey as SJR State Vikings.

Not only did the former Ms. St. Johns County Forestry Queen Aubrie Simpson receive her Associate in Arts degree, cum laude, from St. Johns River State College, she also received nine student awards, including being inducted into the SJR State Hall of Fame. And, she met her fiancé through her involvement with the Phi Theta Kappa honor society.

“I loved traveling and attending Phi Theta Kappa conferences,” said Aubrie, who served as the PTK vice president of leadership on the St. Augustine campus. “Thanks to Phi Theta Kappa, I met many wonderful people throughout the United States, including my fiancé, Steve.”

Just as Aubrie cherishes her SJR State memories, she also cherishes the best advice she received as an SJR student, which was “to ask questions, participate in class, study, get to know your professors, learn from others, get involved in student organizations, and take advantage of leadership opportunities. The leadership, communication, and teaching skills I learned at SJR State prepared me for my job today,” she said.

Aubrie is employed as a K-5 intervention/exceptional student education (ESE) teacher at St. Paul School of Excellence, an elementary charter school in St. Augustine. In small group settings, she helps students who struggle with reading. Additionally, Aubrie is the ESE case manager and RTI (response to intervention)/MTSS (multi-tiered system of supports) coordinator, helping teachers implement strategies to work with all learners.

“SJR State greatly influenced the path of my education career,” Aubrie explained. “When I took Intro to Diversity for Educators with Dr. Little, I was placed in a Head Start classroom for my practicum. I fell in love with early childhood education and decided to work with young learners. My experience working with Head Start was life-changing,” said the SJR State graduate, who also graduated from Flagler College with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with Reading and ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) endorsements and from Nova Southeastern University with a Master of Science in Pre-K/Primary Education.

When not teaching in the classroom during the week, Aubrie shares her passion for teaching with pre-k and kindergarten students at a Sunday school class at her church. She also spends time volunteering throughout the community at places such as St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, and TAG! Children’s Museum of St. Augustine. Additionally, she is a member of the Junior Service League of St. Augustine as well as Delta Kappa Gamma, a society for women educators.

In addition to the career inspiration Aubrie received from her mom, who is also a teacher, she will be forever grateful for the many professors at SJR State who mentored her and helped her achieve her goals. “My experience at SJR State was incredible,” she stated. “I loved everything about the College: the small classes, the courses, the friendly professors, students and staff, and the many opportunities for leadership and personal growth. At SJR State, I learned how to write, think critically and work with people from all different age groups and backgrounds. SJR State's small classes and variety of student activities allowed me to develop my leadership and communication skills that have helped me become the person I am today.”

SJR State Highlights:
St. Johns River State College Hall of Fame 2010
Who's Who Among American Junior College Students 2010
Phi Theta Kappa International Distinguished Chapter Officer 2010
Phi Theta Kappa All-Florida Academic Team 2010
Phi Theta Kappa Florida Region Distinguished Chapter Officer 2009-2010
Alpha Xi Eta Chapter Scholarship Winner 2009 and 2010
Best Speaker Award 2009
Character Counts! Award 2009
Phi Theta Kappa Leader of Promise 2009
Speech Club President
Phi Theta Kappa Vice-President of Leadership
Student Government Association Secretary
Student Ambassador

Other Notables:
Ocean Palms Elementary Youth Volunteer of the Year 2008-2009
Various honors and awards from Flagler College 2010-2012

ARE YOU AN SJR STATE ALUMNUS?
Click on the link below to share your recent accomplishments and join the SJR State Alumni Association today - we'd love to hear from you! SJRstate.edu/alumni.html

MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Kessler
Director of Public Relations and Publications
(386) 312-4021