Sheril Bulley-Simpson, an A2 Open 3rd/4th-grade teacher, was born and raised in Detroit and is a proud graduate of Cass Technical High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University before going on to complete both her master’s and doctorate in education at Walden University, where her work was published.
Bulley-Simpson began her teaching career in May 1994 and has taught preschool through sixth grade, with most of her practice devoted to third and fourth graders. Throughout her teaching tenure, she also frequently worked in summer school programs, supporting students in grades 3–8. Known for her deep commitment to children’s growth and learning, she brings decades of experience, warmth, and expertise to her classroom community, says Principal Krista Visser.
Ann Arbor Open is a better place for having her as a part of their school family, Visser says.
“Dr. Sheril is a lifelong learner and brings a depth of knowledge to our building,” says Visser. “I’m not sure many realize the contributions she’s made and continues to make to our profession. She sets high yet achievable expectations for students. She treats all students with respect and fairness, while also taking into account the different backgrounds and abilities students bring to the classroom. All students are celebrated for being who they are.”
What inspired you to become a teacher, specifically at the elementary school level?
I guess I could say that my early elementary teachers inspired me to become a teacher. I say this because by first grade, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher. I loved school! I spent a lot of time “teaching” my peers. In fifth grade, I was a part of the “Future Teachers” club. I was serious about my desired career.
How does teaching a split 3rd/4th-grade classroom differ from teaching a single grade level?
*Teaching a split-level class causes you to be continually creative and adaptable when
facilitating the learning experiences. Knowing that half of your class may return to you means
that you have to have different ways to share learning content and explorations. You have to be
sure to avoid being redundant to the point of losing the engagement of students due to familiarity.
A2 Open School emphasizes project-based learning.
How has your teaching philosophy evolved since you first started your career?
Over the years, I have reinforced my philosophy of teaching in different ways. My teaching philosophy is based on providing a learning environment that ensures content and activities are differentiated to make them accessible to all students, and on developing a positive outlook towards new learning. I want students to feel safe in all aspects of our class community. It is important to me that I provide an environment that is active, collaborative, and inquiry-based. I feel that students are successful when they feel safe, are active, and are encouraged to have a growth mindset in the learning environment.
What do you find most rewarding about working with students in this transitional age between
early and middle elementary years?
I find it rewarding to see the students become more independent and show enthusiasm for learning. When students can recognize and are proud of their progress, they become increasingly self-motivated in learning opportunities. It is fulfilling to know that this, becoming their norm, will help them develop into willful lifelong learners.
Could you tell us about your work with local colleges? How do these partnerships benefit your
students and your own professional development?
My work with local colleges includes being a mentor teacher to many student teachers over the
course of my tenure. My classroom was open to preservice teachers and university instructors
who brought students in their courses to observe in our class, as well. I participated in extended
research projects with the University of Michigan aimed at supporting effective math instruction and attended sessions to help develop higher leverage practices and expectations for university
students as they began their student teaching time.
For many years, I worked with the Mathematics Learning Center at the University of Michigan, supporting the work of math instruction development. These partnerships allowed me the opportunity to stay current with the expectations of my learning and instruction practices and motivated me to want to further develop myself as a teacher leader through higher education studies.
A2 Open School has a unique approach to education. What aspects of the school’s philosophy resonate most strongly with your personal teaching values?
I mostly resonate with the philosophy of not relying on formal grades to report learning. I feel that it allows for learning to be intrinsic and organically rewarding. I also resonate with the flexibility to develop teaching and learning practices using various resources. This supports my teaching value of providing instruction and facilitating learning based on the particular needs of the students in each class community. It also allows me, as a teacher professional, to have the agency to determine resources, activities, and pace that would be most effective for the students.
Outside of teaching, what hobbies or interests do you pursue that help you maintain work-life
balance?
I have been traveling a lot more over the past few years. I think that this is becoming my new hobby, in addition to vlogging (video blogging) about my travels and other things. I am increasing my knowledge of vlogging so that I can continue to use the tool to spark aspirations, share positive inspirational thoughts, and effectively share my professional journey with others.
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