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Ira Sumner Simmonds
Dive into a captivating narrative that transcends borders and cultures as author Ira Simmonds weaves stories like no other. With a unique perspective that combines experiences from various corners of the globe, his works are a tapestry of diversity and richness.
One of the inspirational books by Ira Simmonds reflects a strong dedication to the education of children worldwide, showcasing the impact of one woman’s passion for teaching in multiple communities, and whose complex personal life, filled with unexpected turns, creates a captivating backdrop that keeps readers engaged.
Simmonds threads together narratives from Russia, China, France, and Saint-Kitts, allowing readers to develop a deeper understanding of global education and cultural exchange in a way that is both enlightening and enriching.
Discover an inspirational message woven throughout the pages of his books. Simmonds’ writing illuminates themes of perseverance, commitment, and the profound impact of teaching, leaving readers with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.
Author, Educator, Biographer, & Editor
Born on the Caribbean island of Nevis, Ira Simmonds received a BA in French from St. Francis College, Brooklyn, NY, and MA and MEd degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University, NY, NY. After a ten-year stint as house manager at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in NYC, he spent the next 25 years in New York City public schools as a teacher, assistant principal, and acting principal. He currently works as an educational consultant. His hobbies include birding, biking, family genealogy, playing the guitar, and writing short stories.
Learn more about Ira Sumner Simmonds’ works.
From Siberia to St. Kitts: A Teacher’s Journey
Following the tumultuous and unexpected life of Zenaida Katzen, Simmonds’ biography weaves disparate threads from Russia, China, Chile, France, and St. Kitts-Nevis into a vibrant tapestry revealing a surprising and exceptional woman. Stepping outside of the spinster-teacher archetype, Katzen’s story is one of a complicated, fiercely independent woman whose decades of unwavering dedication and commitment to the education of children across the globe belie an intriguing, unpredictable and, at times, inexplicable personal life.
The Orchard: Selected Stories
Author of From Siberia to St. Kitts: A Teacher’s Journey (2018), in this eclectic collection of short stories, Ira Sumner Simmonds writes, among other things, about crop-raiding monkeys, a dog who loves to sail, a foul mouth middle-schooler, vacationing with elderly parents, coping with Alzheimer’s disease, bird-watching and West Indian hot sauce.
Desde Siberia a St. Kitts: Un trayecto de una profesora (Spanish Edition)
La historia de una mujer complicada cuyas décadas de dedicación firme y compromiso a la dedicación de niños en todo el mundo desmienten una intriga, imprevisible y, de vez en cuando, una vida privada inexplicable. Siguiendo la vida tumultuosa e inesperada de esta profesora extraordinaria, la biografía de Simmonds teje hilos dispares de Rusia, China, Chile y St. Kitts en una tapicería vibrante revelando a una mujer sorprendente y excepcional.
El Huerto: Cuentos Seleccionados
En esta colección ecléctica de cuentos, Ira Sumner Simmonds escribe, entre otras cosas, sobre monos que roban cosechas, un perro al que le encanta navegar, un alumno de escuela secundaria grosero, pasar vacaciones con padres ancianos, enfrentar la enfermedad de Alzheimer, observar a los pájaros, y la salsa picante de las Indias Occidentales.
De La Sibérie À Saint-Kitts: Le parcours d’une enseignante (French Edition)
L’histoire d’une femme compliquée dont les décennies de dévouement indéfectible et d’engagement envers l’éducation des enfants à travers le monde démentent une vie personnelle intrigante, imprévisible et parfois inexplicable. Après la vie tumultueuse et inattendue de cette enseignante extraordinaire, la biographie de Simmonds tisse des fils disparates de Russie, de Chine, du Chili, de France et de Saint-Kitts dans une tapisserie vibrante, révélant une femme surprenante et exceptionnelle.
