Forman School is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristin Simmers as its inaugural Director of Cognition and Learning. In this newly established position, Simmers will help develop and implement external-facing programming and research opportunities, extending Forman’s reach as a leader in education for neurodiverse learners.

Simmers will lead Forman’s commitment to developing partnerships and collaborations with universities, other independent schools, and researchers to further the development of research-based best practices in education, focusing on the skills needed to support students who learn differently.

Founded in 1930, Forman School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory school for boarding and day students with identified learning differences. Forman develops the whole student, based on each individual’s learning profile, so that all graduates become educated, confident self-advocates throughout life. In January 2025, the school opened its state-of-the-art Cognition and Learning Building and Diagnostic Center.

Simmers is a PhD Candidate in Learning Sciences at the University of Connecticut. Her research interests include teachers’ understanding of the brain and learning and teacher-researcher partnerships. She previously taught in K-12 schools internationally for 16 years and has taught undergraduate students at the University of Connecticut. 

“As Forman nears its centennial and opens the doors to our Cognition and Learning Building and Diagnostic Center, I am especially excited to welcome Kristin as our inaugural Director of Cognition and Learning,” says Head of School Amy Clemons. “She brings with her a level of expertise in research, a deep understanding of how students learn, and a passion for building partnerships that will deepen our impact and strengthen our commitment to transforming education for students who learn differently.” 

“What excites me most about joining Forman is the opportunity to collaborate with such a talented, knowledgeable team of educators and leaders who are deeply committed to student success,” Simmers shares. “With this new role, we have the opportunity to not only elevate teaching and learning within Forman, but to further extend our community’s reach and become a resource and thought leader in the field of research-informed education, particularly for neurodiverse learners.” 

She adds, “By forming strategic, mutually beneficial partnerships with researchers and universities, we can ensure our students receive the highest-quality instruction, while also helping to serve as a resource and thought leader for the broader community.” 

Simmers holds an M.S., M.Ed., and graduate certificates in education. She recently served on the International Mind, Brain and Education Trainee Board and the American Educational Research Association’s Brain, Neurosciences, and Education Special Interest Group Executive Board. She was also a Teaching Assistant in the Harvard Extension School Neuroscience of Learning course.