SIMMONS
MIDDLE
Bennett began his teaching career in 2012 as a history teacher at Tuscaloosa’s Paul W. Bryant High School. There he was selected as Teacher of the Year in 2014 and served as the school coordinator for the New Teacher Integration Mentor Program. As an active member of various school teams, he contributed much to the school, especially in the area of unwrapping the standards for Alabama Social Studies. In 2016, Bennett became an Instructional Technology Coach for Tuscaloosa City Schools, primarily providing support for teachers and helping them to correctly implement technology into the instructional framework. This role also enabled him to take a deep dive into one of his big passions: training parents and students on digital literacy and internet safety. At Westlawn Middle, Bennett helped reduce discipline infractions by 36%, serving as that campus’ point of contact for Restorative Justice. His Restorative Justice initiative won a CLAS Banner School of Distinction Award in 2017 for successful school implementation. He and his wife, Josephine, have been married four years. The couple has a two-year-old daughter, Alaina.
Dr. Katie King
Asst. Principal
Having lived in Hoover for over twenty years, Dr. Katie King is thrilled to give back to her community by serving on the administrative team at Simmons Middle School. She began her teaching career at John Carroll Catholic High School after earning bachelor degrees in English, history, and education from Samford University. While at John Carroll from 2000-2007, Dr. King taught British literature, was head coach for cross country, indoor and outdoor track, and later served as John Carroll’s assistant principal. From 2007-2014, Dr. King served as assistant principal at Prince of Peace Catholic School in Hoover and oversaw the middle school. In 2015, she earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Samford University.
In the winter of 2016, Dr. King began working with the track team and simply fell in love with Simmons. She began working at Simmons as assistant principal in 2017. Know that when you pass her in the halls, classroom, parking lot, or bleachers, she hopes you make time to introduce yourself and your whole family. Also, don’t be surprised if at many Hoover events you see her with one, two, or three children of her own cheering “Go Bucs!”
Outside of school, Dr. King first and foremost enjoys spending quality time with her husband, family, and friends and serving others. She is an avid reader who loves being outside, learning to play the piano, and traveling. One day she dreams of traveling to all 7 continents and 50 states. As for now, her newest dream is to help Simmons students unearth what their own hopes and aspirations will be.
Dr. Dominique
Prince
Asst. Principal
With a spirit of gratitude and servitude, I am thrilled to serve as Assistant Principal of Simmons Middle School this 2019-2020 school year. Entering my 21st year in education, I have been blessed to work in Shelby County Schools of Alabama and Tennessee as well as Homewood City Schools. Throughout those twenty years, I have served as a 3rd, 4th, 6th Grade Science teacher, and many years as a Reading Coach. In addition to this, I taught developmental reading classes at Lawson State Community College for five years in the summers and evenings.
With a passion for literacy, I am a National Board Certified Teacher and a Teacher Consultant for Red Mountain Writing Project. Simmons is a perfect fit for me because we believe in doing “whatever it takes” embracing literacy for all! As a Hoover resident, I am blessed to be able to serve in my community. I, too, have been called. In fact, I was made for this!
During school, my heart melts when I see and hear the joyful expressions of both students and teachers. I absolutely LOVE…people, learning, and coffee! Other things you may see besides books in my hand are chocolate and Mountain Dew! Outside of school, I enjoy writing poetry, listening to jazz, and spending time with family, friends, and the Illustrious Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. As a graduate of Wenonah High School, University of Montevallo and UAB, where I attained my Doctor of Education degree, I enjoy reunions with other alums.
I look forward to supporting, empowering, building capacity, and providing a “safe place” for learning – cultivating teachers and students for maximum growth. Aware of the outstanding performance of students and teachers at Simmons Middle School already, I look forward to the opportunity to build upon its spirit of excellence. With diligence, drive, and passion to excel, I am in it to win it…GO BUCS!
