Prior to joining DCPS as the Chief of Innovation and Research, Dr. Robert W. Simmons III was the founding director of the Center for Innovation in Urban Education, a tenured professor of urban education, and associated faculty member in African and African American Studies program at Loyola University Maryland. A former middle school science teacher and school administrator in Michigan, Minnesota, and the Dominican Republic, Robert was nominated twice as the Walt Disney National Teacher of the Year and once for the Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Foundation Outstanding Educator Award. The author of numerous research articles in academic and practitioner journals, book chapters, a book, and numerous research and program grants, Robert has conducted research on a variety of topics in urban education, equity in education, and science education. His largest research project, and grant, resulted in the development of virtual science labs through the Mind Project. 

Robert holds a bachelor’s of science in elementary education from Western Michigan University, a master’s of science education from Lawrence Technological University, and doctorate in education from Hamline University. He was a fellow with the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship Foundation and participated in the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund.

Follow Dr. Simmons on Twitter: @robert_simmons3