Assignments: Lauren Simmons
Key NELP standards, including Standard 4 and Standard 5, are evidently met by this action research initiative. NELP Standard 4 underscores the significance of collaborating with faculty to develop and implement coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, through the leadership of effective leaders. A systematic review of both formative and summative data sources, such as quizzes, student work samples, standardized test scores, teacher observations, and student feedback, was conducted by Katherine Johnson and her peer collaborator. In particular, the inclusion classroom was identified as having disparities in student achievement and instructional practices by this comprehensive analysis. In response, they implemented a data-driven instructional strategy by introducing "Peer Partners," a structured approach that is intended to improve student engagement, comprehension, and academic performance. This is a distinct reflection of the instructional leadership and responsiveness that are delineated in Standard 4.

Additionally, the initiative is consistent with NELP Standard 5, which emphasizes the development of a school community that is inclusive, supportive, and caring, and that contributes to the academic success and overall well-being of all students. The "Peer Partner" initiative directly supports this standard by cultivating a sense of collaboration and belonging among general education and special education students. It is designed to meet the academic and social requirements of students who may otherwise find it difficult to participate in a conventional classroom setting. The initiative fosters a culture of mutual support and respect by establishing peer partnerships and establishing expectations for leadership, assistance, and socially acceptable behavior. In doing so, it establishes a learning environment that is inclusive and positive, and that is consistent with the expectations of NELP. This is a reflection of effective educational leadership practices. 250424095510_Action_Research_Case_Study_Final_.pdf (.pdf) 0.28mb

Assignments: Lauren Simmons

Date:	04/08/2025
Course:	EDAS 699
Comments:	?
Endorsement:	Administration
Level:	Advanced

250408020439_Field_Experience_Summary_BUILDING_LEVEL_SCHOOL_ADMINISTRATION.pdf (.pdf) 0.17mb

Assignments: Lauren Simmons
School Finance Course Benchmark Project (EDAS 648/748)
Benchmark Description: School Finance Review
Evidence of Standard: This Finance review demonstrates evidence of standard 6- Operations and
Management as it lists improves management, communication, technology, school-level governance and
operations systems to develop and improve data-informed and equitable school resource plans and apply
laws, policies, and regulations. 250403091728_School_Finance_Review.pdf (.pdf) 0.29mb

Assignments: Lauren Simmons
School Law Course Benchmark Project (EDAS 647/747)
Benchmark Description: Case Law Review
Evidence of Standard: This case law review serves as evidence of standard 2-ethics and professional norms
as it demonstrates my understandings of integrity, fairness, and ethics within the professional environment. 250403091623_Case_Law_Review.pdf (.pdf) 0.18mb

Assignments: Lauren Simmons
Community Relations Course Benchmark (EDAS 646/742)
Benchmark Description: Community Relations Benchmark
Evidence of Standard: This project serves as evidence of standard 5 as it engages families, communities, and
school personnel in order to strengthen student learning, support school improvement, and advocate for the
needs of the school and community. 250403091457_Community_Relations_Benchmark.pdf (.pdf) 0.17mb

Assignments: Lauren Simmons
Theory To Practice Exam (EDAS 645/740)
Benchmark Description: Theory to Practice Exam
Evidence of Standard: This exam is evidence of standard 1 as it was used to evaluate my understanding of my
capability to collaboratively lead, design, and implement a school mission, vision, and process for continuous
improvement that reflects a core set of values and priorities that include data use, technology, equity, diversity,
digital citizenship, and community. 250403091327_Theory_to_Practice.pdf (.pdf) 0.16mb

Assignments: Lauren Simmons
School Improvement Course Benchmark (EDAS 640/741)
Benchmark Description: School Improvement Plan for Tupelo Middle School
Evidence of Standard: This improvement plan is evidence of NELP Standard 6: Operations and Management
as it lists improves management, communication, technology, school-level governance and operations
systems to develop and improve data-informed and equitable school resource plans and apply laws, policies,
and regulations. 250403091047_Improvement_Plan_Final_Submission_1_.pdf (.pdf) 0.29mb

Association & Society Membership: Lauren Simmons
Name of Association- Mississippi Professional Educators
Acronym for Association- MPE
Date of Initial Membership- 10/02/2018
Description of Association: Mississippi Professional Educators is an affiliate organization established over 150 years ago. The organization advocates for equal working conditions for educators as well as the learning opportunities for students.
Association's Website: www.MPE.org
Level of Activity/Involvement in the Association: Participation in yearly webinars since 2020.
Receptive to monthly newsletters. 250131110547_MPE_Membership_Card.pdf (.pdf) 0.44mb

Exam History: Lauren Simmons
I earned a score of 154 on the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA), which means I met the passing requirement for most states, including Mississippi, where the cut score is typically 151. I'm proud to say that I passed the assessment and am eligible to continue the licensure process for a leadership role in education. Although my score is slightly below the national average range of 160 to 170, it still reflects a solid understanding of the core leadership concepts. This result shows that I have a strong foundation, and it also highlights areas where I can continue to grow and improve as an educational leader. 250131105913_ScoreReport.pdf (.pdf) 0.36mb

Projects: Lauren Simmons
Accountability Protocol Project
Project Description: This accountability project is comprised of my time as an intern at North Pontotoc Middle
School where I worked with my onsite mentor to solve the problem of low test scores and low technology
integration.
Evidence of the Standard: This project is evidence of standards;
NELP Standard 1: Mission, Vision, and Improvement – Collaboratively lead, design, and implement a school
mission, vision, and process for continuous improvement that reflects a core set of values and priorities that
include data use, technology, equity, diversity, digital citizenship, and community.
NELP Standard 2: Ethics and
Professional Norms – Understand and demonstrate the capacity to advocate for ethical decisions and
cultivate and enact professional norms.
NELP Standard 3: Equity, Inclusiveness, and Cultural Responsiveness
– Develop and maintain a supportive, equitable, culturally responsive, and inclusive school culture
NELP Standard 4: Learning and Instruction – Evaluate, develop, and implement coherent systems of curriculum,
instruction, data systems, supports, and assessment.
NELP Standard 6: Operations and Management –
Improve management, communication, technology, school-level governance, and operation systems to
develop and improve data-informed and equitable school resource plans and to apply laws, policies, and
regulations.
NELP Standard 7: Professional Capacity – Promote the current and future success and well-being
of each student and adult by applying the knowledge, skills, and commitments necessary to build the school’s
professional capacity, engage staff in the development of a collaborative professional culture, and improve
systems of staff supervision, evaluation, support, and professional learning. 250403090540_Accountability_Protocol_Project.pdf (.pdf) 0.81mb

Reflective Journal: Lauren Simmons
Professional Growth Reflective Essay
Through self reflection, my time in Liberty University has evolved my professionalism and leadership skills.
As I began the program, I had the foundational knowledge needed to understanding of educational theories,
however I lacked the practical and refined skills needed to be an effective leader. As I continued throughout
the program I used deliberated engagements with the curriculum and classes available to maximize my
experience. In the end, I have emerged on the other side as a more confident and skilled professional with the
skills needed for career success.
As I continue to explore my journey into school leadership, I remain grounded in my commitment to both
my spiritual and professional growth. One of the biggest lessons learned through this program is the
understanding that once I complete this program, the roadmap leads to a continuous life of learning.
Embracing this continuous growth mindset has been imperative. This has enabled me to embrace
professional practices such as pedagogical innovations, ethical decision-making, and inclusivity.
In conclusion, my time at Liberty University has provided me with the solid foundation of both academic
and experience based skillsets needed to be an effective leader. I am grateful for the path I have been shown
and the guidance I have been given. Through a mixture of embracing new ideas, engaging in professional
growth opportunities, and continuous on-going reflective practices, I will continue to prioritize my professional
growth.

Resume & CV: Lauren Simmons
250131110329_Resume_1_.pdf (.pdf) 0.05mb

Skills: Lauren Simmons
Competency in Standard 1: Mission, Vision, and Improvements
Artifact Description: Second Semester Staff newsletter
Evidence of Standard: This newsletter exemplifies the Standard 1: Mission, Vision, and Improvement
– Collaboratively lead, design, and implement a school mission, vision, and process for continuous

improvement that reflects a core set of values and priorities that include data use, technology, equity,
diversity, digital citizenship, and community. 250403090237_Screenshot_2025_04_03_at_9.01.59_AM.png (.01) 0.11mb

Skills: Lauren Simmons
Competency in Standard 7: Professional Capacity (1 of 2)
Artifact Description: The attached document is a set of PLC norms and schedule to be followed by every
subject area at TMS.
Evidence of the Standard: This artifact provides evidence of commitments necessary to build the schools
professional capacity, engaging staff in development of a collaborative professional learning culture, and
professional learning. 250403084825_8th_ELA_PLC_4_2.pdf (.pdf) 0.21mb

Skills: Lauren Simmons
Competency in Standard 6: Operations and Management
Artifact Description: Safety Audit
Evidence of the Standard: The safety audit was completed as a way to inspect and evaluate the school plant
and ground for safety hazards to improve management, communication, technology, school-level governance,
and operations systems to develop and improve data-informed and equitable school resource plans. 250403084717_TMS_Safety_Audit.pdf (.pdf) 0.09mb

Skills: Lauren Simmons
Competency in Standard 5: Community and External Leadership
Artifact Description: School Board Meeting agenda from meeting attended.
Evidence of the Standard: These school board meeting agenda serve as evidence of standard 5- Community
and External Leadership as it shows engagement in families, community, and school personnel in order to
strengthen student learning, support school improvement, and advocate for the needs of their school and
community. 250403084247_TPSD_Board_Minutes.pdf (.pdf) 0.08mb

Skills: Lauren Simmons
Competency in Standard 4: Learning and Instruction (3 of 3)
Artifact Description: Quick Fact Sheet made for staff
Evidence of the Standard: The following is an example of "NELP Standard 4: Learning and Instruction
– Evaluate, develop, and implement coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, data systems,
supports, and assessment" as it demonstrates my part in the assisting in the school-testing program. 250403083935_Quick_Fact_Sheet.pdf (.pdf) 0.06mb

Skills: Lauren Simmons
Competency in Standard 4: Learning and Instruction (2 of 3)
Artifact Description: District Security plan

Evidence of the Standard: The following is an example of "NELP Standard 4: Learning and Instruction
– Evaluate, develop, and implement coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, data systems,
supports, and assessment" as it demonstrates my part in the assisting in the school-testing program. 250403083726_TMS_Security_Plan.pdf (.pdf) 0.07mb

Skills: Lauren Simmons
Competency in Standard 4: Learning and Instruction (1 of 3)
Artifact Description: Agenda for Test Training for Staff
Evidence of the Standard: The following is an example of "NELP Standard 4: Learning and Instruction
– Evaluate, develop, and implement coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, data systems,
supports, and assessment" as it demonstrates my part in the assisting in the school-testing program. 250403083551_State_Test_Training_Agenda.pdf (.pdf) 0.07mb

Skills: Lauren Simmons
Competency in Standard 3: Equity, Inclusiveness, and Cultural Responsiveness
Artifact Description: Inclusion pdf of a Power point from professional development
Evidence of the Standard: This power point was used as I lead a professional development to train the faculty
of our district on inclusive practices for our students. 250403083330_Addressing_Equity_in_Education.pdf (.pdf) 1.29mb

Skills: Lauren Simmons
Competency in Standard 2: Ethics and Professional Norms (3 of 3)
Artifact Description: ADA Audit of Building Facilities
Evidence of the Standard: This audit of the building facilities was used to determine the accessibility for
disabled students, teachers, staff, parents/ caregivers, and community members to understand and
demonstrate the capacity to advocate for ethical decisions and cultivate and enact professional norms. 250403082414_TMS_ADA_Audit.pdf (.pdf) 0.08mb

Skills: Lauren Simmons
Competency in Standard 2: Ethics and Professional Norms (2 of 3)
Artifact Description: Child Abuse Awareness Training
Evidence of the Standard: This aligns with the standard in that it demonstrates capacity to advocate for
ethical decisions and cultivate and enact professional norms with the training instilled. 250221084418_Central_Registry_Application4.pdf (.pdf) 0.29mb

Skills: Lauren Simmons
CPR Certification

Competency in Standard 2: Ethics and Professional Norms (1 of 3)
Artifact Description: CPR Certification
Evidence of the Standard: This CPR certification includes AED and First Aid training. This aligns with the
standard in that it demonstrates capacity to advocate for ethical decisions and cultivate and enact
professional norms with the training instilled. 250221084434_Adult_Pediatric_First_Aid_and_CPR.png (.png) 0.08mb

Teaching Philosophy: Lauren Simmons
In the beginning, there was God. At the end, there He will be also. Throughout our lives we are faced with
many decisions, opportunities, failures, and hardships, but through it all Christ is with us. As Christian’s God
has set us apart from all the rest. He has called us to find identity ourselves as a child of God. His children
must set out to serve Him first and His people second. Through Him, I have found my purpose and calling in
servitude.
The universe began only when God decided it would happen, just as my opportunity for leadership. While
navigating life's complexities, I found myself resisting and trying to redirect the directions I felt God leading
me. Yet, even in rebellion, I found myself where God intended me to be. It is through that struggle and His
salvation that I have found my purpose. A purpose that I desired so strongly but struggled to find for myself,
the purpose he had waiting for me when I finally fell to succumb to salvation, the purpose of servant
leadership.
In educational leadership, my responsibilities extend beyond personal servitude, but also in creating leaders
within those I lead. The educational landscape comes with man-made laws that govern religious expression. I
must create leaders by exemplifying leadership with a foundation of faith. I will serve with the compassion,
justice, and equity embodying the love of Christ in all avenues. In my position I will continuously strive to
foster a nurturing environment grounded in compassion, inclusivity, and accountability.
A position in educational leadership and my biblical worldview will allow me the opportunity to serve not only
the staff, but students, the community, and stakeholders. As I aim to approach all interactions with a mindset
of grace and understanding, it is my hope that all will feel supported and uplifted. Through my leadership I aim
to guide others in setting their own biblical foundation that prepares them for a life of ethical and purposeful
fulfillment. By integrating biblical principles to govern my practices, the guiding philosophies will resonate into
every aspect of life. As this resonates into my life, it will then resonate into the lives of those I teach and lead.
In conclusion, my journey toward servant leadership is constant reminder that God’s presence is from the
beginning to the end of all things. Stepping into a position of education leadership, I am compelled to lead by
example while fostering environments of compassion, inclusivity, and humbled accountability. I aim to
empower others in discovering their own purpose and ethical fulfillment while ultimately creating a ripple
effect of positivity and growth. As I move forward, I am committed to exemplifying Christ’s love and
compassion in all aspects of educational leadership. By prioritizing the development of leaders grounded in
faith, I aspire to cultivate a culture of service and purpose that extends beyond the classroom, shaping the
future with compassion and hope. 250131110252_Teaching_Philosophy.pdf (.pdf) 0.05mb