Simmons shared love of learning during RHS teaching career

Rebecca Simmons meets with a Holocaust survivor during a German class field trip to BRTC.
(photo provided)

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Rebecca Simmons has proven herself to be such a teacher on numerous occasions. Whether being recognized for her efforts by the numerous awards with which she has been presented, or by the large number of former students who continue to seek her guidance, her importance to the school and community of Rector is undeniable.

Now, after 29 years as an educator, the beloved German teacher has announced her plans to retire.

Born in Jonesboro, Simmons graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1969. She remained near her home to continue her education, graduating from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor's in English with a minor in German.

Though the bulk of her students know her as Frau Simmons from her German classes, Simmons says there was no great plan in place which led her to this particular foreign language.

"It was the only language class with a short line," Simmons recalls of her registration for German at ASU. She had an interest in the language and culture, however, because her mother's family came from Germany.

Simmons' first teaching job was at Harrisburg during the 1974-1975 school year. She married the late Ralph Simmons, a local farmer, and joined him in the Rector area. She began teaching English at Rector High School in 1975. She continued as an English teacher until 1980, when she left to care for an ailing family member.

Simmons returned to the classroom in 1986. When she came back to RHS, there were no positions available for an English teacher. With her background, she was an obvious choice for the opening German position. As foreign language classes were electives at the time, she also taught civics, eighth grade history and geography. She received her master's in history from ASU in 1999.

As time went by, the requirements for students changed, and each student needed two years of foreign language studies to comply with state mandates. As such, Simmons' German class began to supercede her other courses. For the last two years, she has exclusively taught German.

Possessing a strong appreciation for education and knowledge, Simmons has an interest in a wide variety of courses and topics.

"I tried to incorporate other things into my German classes," Simmons said. "I wanted to get into more than just translations and grammar. I wanted the students to learn more about the German history and culture and be able to express themselves creatively."

Creativity was a large part of Simmons' assigned projects. Students were encouraged to show their artistic sides by recreating German castles from graham crackers and other delicious treats, as well as nutcrackers and other traditional German holiday items and decorations.

"I wanted to give my students the opportunity to be creative. When it's all said and done, it's that problem solving and use of logic which will likely benefit them later in life."

The annual Oktoberfest celebration has been a favorite event for not only Simmons' students, but many adults in the community, as well.

"There are so many wonderful Oktoberfest memories," Simmons said. "It seems like it grew every year. The students really enjoyed taking part in the tradition. I think Oktoberfest became an event the whole community enjoyed. It was a lot of work, but but was also a lot of fun."

In retirement, Simmons hopes to spend more time with her three sons, Jody, John and Cary, as well as her three grandsons.

Simmons continues to aid in operating the family's farm alongside Jody.

She also hopes to volunteer. She has been active for several years in the HopeCircle grief counseling group.

"I don't think I'll have any trouble finding something to do," she said with a laugh.

Simmons also teaches Sunday School at the First United Methodist Church.

"I think, in some way, I'll always teach. It's part of my life -- part of who I am."

Simmons says she always knew she wanted to be a teacher.

"I don't think I chose this career, but rather it chose me. When I was a child, I played school and I was always the teacher. I can't remember a time when I didn't know that I would be a teacher."

Simmons says she has acquired a wealth of memories and friendships during her time at RHS.

"It's like having two families -- my biological family and then my school family. I will miss everyone I worked with. Some of my closest friends are my fellow teachers. I think I'll miss the kids the most, though. I've received a lot of joy from watching them learn and discover."