By Elianna Novitch

Happy “Where Do You Work?” Wednesday! This week meet alumnus Jeff Simak (BS ’12 in Mathematics and a Secondary Education certificate).

Simak is a math teacher and the head junior varsity boys basketball coach at Prairie Ridge High School in his hometown of Crystal Lake, Illinois, where he has been teaching for six years.

Simak enjoys the students he works with and getting to watch them grow during their time in high school.

“Math typically isn’t a favorite subject, so it is fun when students start to enjoy it a little bit more as the year goes on,” Simak says. “I also really enjoy my coworkers and their passion for teaching because it helps me become a better teacher.”

Simak says the professors at the College of Education helped set him up for success as a teacher.

“These professors are very passionate about education, which made for an awesome experience in school. My instructor during student teaching was also very helpful and encouraging during the ‘grind’ of the semester,” Simak says. “Being with other passionate classmates encouraged me to pursue being an educator who positively influences the next generation.”

Simak says he always looks forward to hearing when some of his current students say that they are going to attend the University of Iowa.

“I get excited when I hear that some of my current students are going to the College of Education at the University of Iowa, because I know they will have a great experience,” Simak says.

Want to be the next “Where Do You Work Wednesday” or nominate someone? Message us on Facebook, tag us with #HawkeyeTeachers, or email us at educationatiowa@uiowa.edu.