Dr. Tyra McBeth Simon

ATLANTA, GA — Dr. Simon, a transformative force in education for over 25 years, has been named one of the World’s 20 Visionary Professionals to Follow in 2025, a global recognition honoring leaders who are reshaping their industries through bold vision, innovative practice, and lasting impact.

An accomplished district-level Director and former para-professional, Dr. Simon has built a powerful legacy of service, equity, and excellence across every level of the educational system. Known for her ability to turn strategic vision into sustainable action, she has led initiatives that have elevated student success, strengthened educator effectiveness, and reimagined how schools serve diverse learners. Her results-driven leadership includes spearheading a 100% graduation assessment pass rate, developing post-secondary transition programs for Students with Disabilities (SWDs), launching high-impact professional learning and Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) preparation models, being named Teacher of the Year in a Metro Atlanta school district, and hand selected in serving on the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) Dyslexia Advisory Board.

“I’m not here to maintain systems, I’m here to evolve them,” says Simon. “True transformation happens where equity, excellence, and humanity intersect.”

With expertise in special education services, instructional leadership, and systems design, Dr. Simon has earned a reputation as a leader who blends data with heart, and strategy with purpose. Her current role focuses on strengthening special education services through coaching, protocol development, and data-informed decision-making, all anchored in a deep belief that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive.

A thought leader to watch, a strategist to follow, and an advocate to join, she is redefining what’s possible in education. She is a family-oriented trailblazer who is grounded in her faith and is a living testament that girls really do “run the world”. This global recognition underscores her unwavering commitment to creating rigorous, inclusive, and affirming safe spaces for learning. Dr. Simon's impact will continue to shape the future of education for years to come.

Social Media: Atlanta Metro RESA Newsletter Spotlight (https://secure.smore.com/n/84hpfm-the-connection?ref=email) 

Professional Learning Center (PLC) Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xT0baYE6ac)