About Tyrone Elementary School

Principal: Mr. Floyd Simmons

Floyd Simmons is a true advocate of students and families. He is a believer of the Harper Woods School District’s vision for success and implements collaboration and shared leadership in his daily practice. In order to address the needs of the whole child, his goals as an educator and for Tyrone Elementary School includes but are not limited to; shared best practices, building positive relationships, and the continuous improvement cycle to promote improved student outcomes. 

As a former University of Michigan football player, Floyd understands the concept of utilizing sports as a vehicle to gain success. Through sports he was able to gain the extra layer of support he needed to learn the true value of hardwork, discipline, and character as well as access to resources and opportunities that would empower him to continue to strive for excellence. As a dedicated educator, he has pledged that he will accept the charge and continue to advocate for students, families, and his team in return.

Floyd holds two bachelor degrees and a master’s degree from the University of Michigan. His degree work includes African American Studies and African Studies as well as Political Science where he studied the intersection of race and politics. He later began his masters work managing human service organizations and evaluating communities and social systems. He also collaborated with community stakeholders and different service organizations to secure thousands of dollars in grant funding to be utilized in the various communities he served.

Floyd was selected to be a member of the China Gridiron League Fellowship, where former student athletes start, develop, and coach American Football in China as well gain work experience in select fields. Through this organization he was able to develop the current football program Chengdu Pandaman and work with grassroots organizations dedicated to improving the environment. Floyd is also fluent in Chinese Mandarin, stemming from a third component of the program, which allowed him to leverage relationships, be exposed to various southeast asian cultures and give him unique access to resources in Southeast Asia and establish business relationships abroad. 

Along with establishing business relationships he was also crucial in developing the (ESL) English as a Second Language industry for premiere language service providers in several major cities in China. He taught English to Chinese business professionals and students from the ages of 16 to 70. Floyd’s work included creating cross-departmental, citywide, and regional trainings. He was also responsible for evaluation of the city wide teaching landscape and implementation of action plans to improve language services and teacher quality. In addition to his work with professional training, he spearheaded the development of a series of language training services, online courses, volunteer training, and online assessments for local governmental agencies, organizing committees, staff, and volunteers for collegiate level olympic games (FISU).

Floyd began his career in education working in climate and culture and later transitioned into specialized services. Floyd has practiced both macro and micro social work in both non-educational and school settings. He has experience teaching pre-elementary and elementary aged school students as well as serving as a Behavior Interventionist. Floyd is uniquely aligned with the district’s vision of students competing in a global society and promotes language acquisition through diversity and exposure to other languages and cultures. 

Approaching his 5th year serving at Tyrone Elementary School, he has continued to develop positive relationships with students, families and members of the community. Transitioning into administration has allowed him countless opportunities to be instrumental in building current school systems, programs, and teams. Floyd has experience working with our districts’ Multi Tiered Systems of Supports, School Improvement, Data, Curriculum, and Wellness Teams. As a true believer in addressing the needs of the whole child, he is active in ensuring that students are provided with adequate support both in and outside of the classroom through data led instructional delivery and implementation of various before and after school programs. He prioritizes mental and physical health, wellness, safety and security. He believes that student centered educational practices will lead to positive student outcomes. 

Floyd is a proud graduate of Detroit Public Schools. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with family and going to the gym.