TONI’S STORY

Toni Simovski (‘97 CASL, ‘01 SOE) has been a faculty member at South Lyon High School, where he teaches AP American Government. He has earned numerous awards for his innovative teaching, including 2005 Oakland County Outstanding Teacher, 2007 Michigan Civic Educator of the Year and 2009 Michigan Social Studies Educator of the Year. Whether by having his students participate in the 50th Anniversary of desegregation in schools, visit university historical exhibits, or attend congressional conferences, he's known for giving his classes a first hand look at United States history and government actions. As said by his colleagues, “His desire to see all students succeed, and the wonderful relationship he has earned with students, makes him a tremendous asset.”

Before coming one of Michigan’s top educational leaders, Tony spent the late 1990s in Macedonia as the U.S. Military’s top translator in the Balkans. He had the opportunity to work closely with U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen, Secretary of State Madeline Albright, and Vice President Al Gore. Throughout his service, he was awarded medals on behalf of NATO, the United Nations, and the Macedonian government. He has continued to utilize his experience to educate high school and university students on the region through numerous lectures and discussion panels.

Toni was also a 2009 Teacher Fellow at The Henry Ford, where he created itineraries and modified curriculum for the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. He has created lessons for the Library of Congress website and for numerous years has offered his advice to new teachers as a guest lecturer for current UM-Dearborn students.