In 2003 he won the Guardian award for outstanding new teacher in the North East and Cumbria. Simon is a specialist in American history with a specific interest in race and national identity and his publications include Sidelined - How American Sports Challenged the Black Freedom Struggle and Aspects of American History.
Simon is passionate about inspiring students to be the best that they can be and to make a real difference to the community around them. As Gandhi said "you must be the change you wish to see in the world."