Simpson Central School’s Taylor Brown has been named to the prestigious Curriculum Associates’ *Extraordinary Educators Class of 2025*, an honor awarded to only 29 teachers nationwide.
This recognition celebrates her excellence in the classroom, her leadership among peers, and her commitment to student growth.
Selected from a national pool of educators, Brown joins a select group chosen not only for their impressive student outcomes but also for their willingness to collaborate, provide feedback on educational tools, and serve as examples of best teaching practices. Although this year’s class includes a few educators from Mississippi, Brown represents Simpson County with distinction.
“This opportunity was about more than just recognition—it was about collaboration,” said Brown. “We were able to provide direct feedback to Curriculum Associates on how to improve their programs based on real classroom experience. One of my biggest suggestions was offering more lesson variety for students, especially when they need to retake a concept. A different passage or question set can make all the difference.”
Brown attended the annual summit in Boston, Massachusetts—her first time flying—where she engaged in professional development, networked with other top educators, and even took in a Red Sox game. She returned to Simpson County with a renewed perspective and valuable insight into how educational programs evolve behind the scenes. “It helped me understand why certain things take time to improve. I now have more context to share with my school about how decisions are made and got a chance to see some things that are in the works,” she added.
Her journey to becoming an Extraordinary Educator began when her assistant principal encouraged her to apply. “It was five questions and a long shot, or so I thought,” Brown recalled. “I was shocked when the district found out before me—thanks to an internet outage—and surprised me with the announcement.”
Now beginning her eighth year of teaching—and her third year in fifth grade—Brown has spent her entire career at Simpson Central. Originally a first-grade teacher, she transitioned to fifth grade with some initial hesitation. “It was a shift, but it’s been the best decision. It’s where I’ve seen the biggest growth, not just in my students, but in myself.”
In 2024, she was also honored as Simpson Central’s Teacher of the Year—an award chosen by her peers. For Brown, the recognitions reaffirm her dedication to students and passion for learning. Reflecting on her journey, Brown acknowledged the people who shaped her. “My dad was a teacher, so obviously I tell people I really don’t know that I had a choice. That’s just what I knew.”She credits much of her growth to the support of mentor teachers like Kristen Ashmore and current assistant principal Megan Blair, who helped guide her through different stages of her career.
“My classroom is built on respect, love, and learning,” she said. “Students can expect a place where they are treated with kindness and held to high standards. I tell them all the time, we’re human, we’re going to have bad days, but we’re going to learn and grow together.” She added, “Kids don’t learn from someone they don’t like,” a philosophy that has clearly guided her every step of the way.
Brown’s three-word teaching motto—*Love. Laugh. Learn.*—perfectly captures the spirit she brings to Simpson Central. Her students, peers, and now the entire nation know what makes her truly extraordinary.
