Meet Kadesha Gordon-Simms | International teacher and Mentor :I help educators with support, encouragement, and knowledge to enable them to succeed in their career.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kadesha Gordon-Simms and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kadesha, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
In my opinion, taking risks is crucial to both professional and personal development. It has helped me open doors to new experiences throughout my life and profession as a teacher. I’ve been able to broaden my horizons and grow as a teacher by accepting challenges of relocating to a new country, adjusting to a different educational system, and trying innovative teaching techniques.

Taking risks has not only allowed me to enhance my teaching skills but has also enriched my cultural understanding and interpersonal relationships. Whether it’s stepping out of my comfort zone to lead a team of teachers or making decisions that involve uncertainty, I’ve learned that calculated risks can lead to rewarding outcomes.

Of course, not every risk I’ve taken has resulted in immediate success, but each experience has provided valuable lessons and insights. Overall, I believe that being open to taking risks has been pivotal in shaping my life and career, enabling me to continuously evolve and thrive in the field of education.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My professional experience has been filled with successes and setbacks. What makes me unique is my commitment to lifelong learning and development. I think it’s important to cultivate a growth mindset not only in my students but also within myself.

In 2013, I embarked on my teaching journey. After six years, I felt the urge for a change in environment. I started applying for teaching positions and eventually landed a job teaching Social Studies in Columbia, South Carolina.

I’m very pleased of my ability to adjust to different educational settings and meet each student’s individual needs. I make an effort to maintain my teaching strategies current and interesting, whether it’s through creative lesson planning , integration of technology or taking students on field trips.

A pivotal moment came when I was promoted to the post of Department Chair, This marked a significant moment in my career and opened new opportunities for my professional development. It is not easy being Department Chair! However, I was dedicated to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for my team. I believe that a successful department is one where team members are valued and respected to share their ideas. There have been challenges but I’ve come to see obstacles as chances for improvement.

Being adaptable and receptive to change is one of the most important things I’ve learnt. The field of education is always changing, and in order to remain productive as a teacher, one must be able to adjust to new approaches. I want to motivate, set a good example and support change for other teachers to be successful in the classroom. I want to let teachers who aspire to come aboard know that you can do great things once you put your mind to it!

I’m excited to share that I recently completed my Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. After completing all those coursework, I have a deeper understanding on effective leadership practices which allowed to me to my purpose into action. I will be launching my leadership consulting platform i LEAD Community and my non-profit Excellence on Purpose. For more information on my venture, check out my IG page @kadeshatakesthelead.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are many fun places in Columbia South Carolina. A few of my favorites are :

*Riverbanks Zoo : A nice place for animal lovers

*Main Steet District: This is the perfect area for exploring and getting lunch from a variety of restaurants.

*SC State Museum – A great place for History buffs (those who love history) . You get to learn more about South Carolina’s history and culture.

* Southeast Park – This is a relaxing spot for a picnic. It is known for its scenic beauty of a lake, hiking trails and many tennis courts.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to take the opportunity to acknowledge my husband Garnett for his support throughout my career as a teacher. . His belief in me have been my guiding light, empowering me to navigate the challenges and triumphs of the teaching profession. I was encouraged by him to embark on the journey of my YouTube channel; “Kadesha Takes the Lead” ; to share my story and inspire other teachers that may want to teach abroad. Thank you for being my biggest cheerleader!

I want to thank God for his grace and allowing me to walk in my purpose. I am willing and able to obey whatever God asks of me.

To my family, thank you for your love and support. My siblings have always been there to lift me up and remind of what truly matters in life. To my dearest friends, you were the ones to motivate me when I’m down , laugh with me and make each moment unforgettable. Your friendship means the world to me!

A special shout out to my mentees, your dedication and enthusiasm have truly inspired me. Watching you grow in your teaching journey has been rewarding. I’m excited to see the amazing things you will accomplish in the future.

To all the international teachers that I have connected with , continue to make a change. Your diverse perspective and innovative teaching methods has made an impact on students across the world.

Finally , I want to thank my students, Your curiosity, creativity and determination never cease to amaze me . You challenge me to be the best teacher I can be. Keep striving for greatness!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kadeshatakesthelead/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kadesha-g-04a438124/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kadeshagordon-simms2207

Image Credits
Kadesha Gordon-Simms