Teacher's essay on motherhood earns national recognition

Intermountain Catholic

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Linda Simpson

ALT LAKE CITY — Judge Memorial Catholic High School English teacher Linda Simpson’s essay recently was published in the memoir category in a gallery of the National Council of Teachers of English (NTCTE).

Simpson started writing her essay, "Mother’s Arm," in 2002. She finished it in 2008, through a writing project.

Her writing piece is about her sons, both of whom are adopted. The oldest boy they welcomed as an infant. The younger child joined the family when he was 3. The essay narrates the moment when Simpson felt she was really a mother.

"You mold these things for years in your head," Simpson said, adding that she was inspired to write the essay by Annie Dillard’s classic memoir "American Childhood." "After I read her essay, I knew where I could start".

In the essay, Simpson narrates how a significant moment in a department store triggered her motherhood spirit.

"This store had a playground and while I was trying a skirt, I heard a scream," Simpson said, adding that she recognized her son’s voice. "I flew out and Scottie said, ‘He bit me! He bit me!’ [And] something in me woke up."

Using this incident as a base, Simpson tied other stories together and wrote the essay.

Simpson has had other pieces published as well; among her more recent published articles was a piece title "The Grandparent Story: A Christmas Surprise," which was printed in the state’s English journal.

At Judge Memorial, Simpson also heads up the school’s renowned literary magazine, "Catharsis", a publication that has won numerous national awards of excellence for the past 15 years. She has been voted among the most popular teachers at Judge Memorial on many occasions.

"Linda is highly regarded by her colleagues and is an exceptional educator," said Rick Bartman, principal of Judge Memorial. "As a teacher, she expects the best from her students, encouraging and supporting them along the way. This is a wonderful honor for her."

For the complete essay ‘Mother’s Arm’ go to: www.icatholic.com