Taura Simmons It Begins with Teachers

Taura Simmons ’23M is a Language & Literacy Specialist, Literacy Coach and AVID Coordinator at Athens Dr Magnet High School in Wake County. She began teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) at Zebulon Middle School after a 20 year career in financial services. Simmons went on to become the English Language Development Specialist and ESL Teacher for Wake County's five early colleges, STEM, and career academies high schools. In December 2023, she earned her M.Ed. in ESL and Reading Specialist add-on licensure from the Watson College, and the same month, achieved National Board Certification.

“From the moment I started in education, challenging others, bringing out the best in people, is part of the joy,” she said.

The Watson College is pleased to share a new “It Begins with Teachers” video featuring Simmons’ inspiring story.

“It Begins with Teachers” is a long-standing campaign to promote the Watson College of Education and the teaching profession through videos featuring real people sharing stories about  teachers who have inspired them and/or what they love about teaching. UNCW’s media production team creates WCE’s It Begins with Teachers videos. To view additional videos, please visit the It Begins with Teachers website.