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Keishonda Simms has been working and teaching with Chicago Public Schools for over 15 years.  She has been teaching for 8 years at William H. Ryder Math & Science Specialty School and worked as the Physical Education Teacher for Pre-k-8th Grades and 6th Grade Social Science Teacher, but primarily, as the Middle School Math Teacher supporting the diverse population of students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, and averages between 28-35 students in her classes. Simms has a special approach to math and believes that every student in her classes has the ability to learn and love math! Keishonda has a Bachelor's Degree from Carleton College in Northfield, MN and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education with an Endorsement in Middle School Education from Roosevelt University. Keishonda was a Teach Plus Change Agent and Educational Policy Fellow, a 2019-2020 Ambassador for Khan Academy for Chicago, and is a Google Certified Educator. When they are not making magic in the math classroom, in her spare time, Keishonda performs with three dance companies in Chicago and teaches dance and Zumba at Ryder and throughout the city. She also founded MANIFEST! a group dedicated to youth empowerment through dance and performance. Keishonda’s is a Fulbright DAST Fellow and in currently in Salvador, Bahia, Brasil.  Her research is looking at using dance and technology to teach math and bridge the achievement gap.