Exclusive Interview with Kerisha Simms: Author of THE CONFIDENT CLASSROOM
Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to write this book
My name is Kerisha Simms and I’m a passionate educator with over 23 years of experience, combining creativity and expertise to cultivate confident, engaging classrooms and inspire students to reach their full potential.
Over the years, I noticed how many educators struggle to balance classroom management, academic expectations, and the social-emotional needs of their students. This inspired me to write this book to share practical strategies, routines, and tools that can help teachers build confident, calm, and supportive classrooms. My goal is to empower educators to feel more confident in their practice while creating spaces where students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
What problem or need does your book address for readers?
This book addresses a real need many educators face: the struggle to create confident, calm, and structured classrooms while still supporting students’ social and emotional growth. Teachers often feel overwhelmed by competing demands—curriculum goals, classroom management, and the pressure to meet every child’s needs. My book provides practical tools, clear routines, and strategies rooted in social-emotional learning to ease that burden. It’s designed to help teachers feel more confident and balanced, while also giving students a safe, supportive environment where they can thrive academically and emotionally.
What experiences or expertise gave you the authority to speak on this subject?
With 23 years of experience as an educator, I’ve worked closely with students of diverse backgrounds, guiding them academically and supporting their social-emotional growth. Over the years, I’ve developed practical strategies for classroom management, confidence-building, and fostering a positive learning environment approaches that I’ve tested and refined in real-world classrooms.
My bigger vision goes beyond this book. Over the next 5–10 years, I see my work influencing both education and personal development by helping teachers, students, and communities embrace confidence, clarity, and balance in learning. I want to create resources, training, and platforms that make classrooms calmer, more supportive spaces where social-emotional growth is just as valued as academic success. Beyond schools, I envision this work shaping how people view teaching—not just as instruction, but as a pathway to resilience, creativity, and lifelong learning.
In your field or area of influence, what are some common misconceptions you wish people understood better?
One common misconception in education is that strong classroom management means being strict or controlling. In reality, confident classrooms are built on trust, clear routines, respect, and consistency—not just rules. Another misconception is that social-emotional learning is “extra” or separate from academics, when in fact it is foundational: students who feel supported and understood are more engaged, motivated, and successful. I also wish people understood that teaching isn’t just about delivering content—it’s about creating environments where students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally, and where teachers feel confident and supported in their practice
Tell us a little more about your Brand/Vision
My brand centers on empowering educators and creating confident, calm, and purposeful learning environments. Through my work—whether it’s writing, developing resources, or designing professional guides I aim to provide practical tools and strategies that help teachers feel supported and students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. My vision is to influence the education field by promoting classrooms where creativity, structure, and social-emotional learning coexist, and where teachers and students alike can experience growth, balance, and fulfillment. Ultimately, I want my brand to stand for clarity, confidence, and meaningful impact in education.
Where can readers get a copy of your book right now and reach out to you?
