LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

« Return to Nominee List

Taylor Surine

Position: Sixth Grade English Language Arts Teacher
School: A.R. Johnson Magnet School
School District: Richmond County School System
City, State: Augusta, GA

Support Taylor Leave a comment Get Updates

Taylor Surine was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Surine sets clear boundaries from the very beginning about what she will and will not tolerate in her classroom. She creates a classroom structure that her students can trust and rely on every day. She is also genuine with her students, and she meets them where they are at. Whether that is using their own "lingo" in reading lessons or doing the most embarrassing things to get them laughing, nothing is off limits for her if she can spin it in a positive way to make learning more fun.

She is also very intentional about getting to know her students personally so that she can incorporate common interests into their learning. She even considers their interests for book recommendations. If she can make the slightest connection with her students, it positively impacts her classroom environment so that they can learn and laugh at the same time.

Recently, she switched school districts after almost six years with her alma mater. In the move, she had to let a lot of things go. Now at a magnet school where she teaches predominantly gifted students, she would love to incorporate more tactile learning activities as well as artistic mediums to demonstrate their knowledge.

Career Accomplishments:

  • 2025 - 6th Grade Chair
  • 2024 - 6th Grade ELA Mentor; E3 Teacher Nomination; 6th Grade ELA Standards Ambassador; GACE Review Committee

Comments (31)

kinsley loyd Posted 4 months ago

my favorite teacher, genuinely had me smiling and wanting to come to school even if i was being bullied, remember when she went to laurens and she taught me

Mickaia Manuel Posted 9 months ago

Mrs. Surine will forever be one of my favorite teachers one time I was crying in her class because I was stressing over an IXL lesson and she looked at me and said whats wrong and I told her and she let me take a break from it so I think she really deserves this accomplishment.

Raymond Dizon Posted 10 months ago

She's my teacher, I think she deserves this accomplishment so much.

TR Posted 11 months ago

Ms. Surine was a life saver for my son's second semester. She arrived to the 6th grade ELA class and got all the students back on track after not having an ELA teacher the first semester. I appreciate her work ethic and dedication to make sure the students were able to achieve the goals for the 6th grade. Thank you for your hard work!

Nicole Carey Posted 11 months ago

Ms. Surine is a wonderful person to work with. She is always well-prepared and organized, which makes collaborating with her smooth and effective. She goes above and beyond to support her students, and her dedication to their growth is inspiring. She communicates clearly, is willing to share resources, and brings a positive attitude to every situation. Her professionalism, reliability, and kindness make her a joy to work alongside.

D. Marshall Posted 11 months ago

Ms. Surine is sincere and dedicated to her students and the profession. She puts in great effort to ensure the children are successful.

Mrs. Holmes Posted 11 months ago

Seeing Ms. Surine work is evident that she cares about the children that she teaches. Her dedication and creativity are encouraging to the students. "Keep empowering young minds and teaching with confidence—congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!"

Stacey Friar Posted 11 months ago

You can tell Mrs. Surine truly cares about her students. Looking forward to this school year.

Heather Murphey Posted 11 months ago

Although my son has only been with Ms Surine for a few weeks, it is evident how involved she is in these students lives academically and personally. She is very welcoming and makes my son feel comfortable in a subject that’s not quite his favorite. She is very responsive and informative with us parents which is so so important. I can’t wait to see how my son grows in her classroom. We are so thankful for her.

Holly Posted 11 months ago

Great teacher

Christy Hughes Posted 11 months ago

Congratulations. I know you are making an impact in students' lives.

Lisa McDonald Posted 11 months ago

Ms. Surine made my child who previously struggled with anxiety in school feel comfortable and welcome. Even though we are in a new city and school, my daughter has had a great year so far and is enjoying school for the first time in a very long time, and I believe it is in big part to Ms. Surine. Thank you, both as a mom and fellow teacher, I commend you.

Victoria Paredes Posted 11 months ago

I'll always appreciate her for being such an amazing teacher

Sherri Posted 11 months ago

ARJ is a great school with wonderful staff.

stephanie campbell Posted 11 months ago

Taylor is a wonderful teacher and the students are engaged in her classroom. She is a caring person who is making a difference in the lives of our young people.

Ashley Posted 11 months ago

Sure an amazing teacher!! Well deserved!

Janie Posted 11 months ago

What a great teacher! She’s nice, kind and supportive. She encourages us each and everyday!

Kiya Posted 11 months ago

My daughter loves her class!

Ellen Posted 11 months ago

The best and most supportive! Drives instructions and loves for the students best interest! Mrs Surine is a life changer for all those around her ??

Shatarya Posted 11 months ago

My daughter Anta'Nasia is asking me so dearly to vote for you. You are an amazing teacher and person. She loves you!

EJ Sharif Posted 11 months ago

After only 2 weeks of school, it is obvious that you have already built meaningful relationships with all of your students. They are actively engaged and look to you for not only excellent instruction, but support and caring as well. I am honored to serve as your principal!

Ericka steward Posted 11 months ago

Looking forward to a wonderful parent teacher communication for this upcoming school year she seems nice with the way my daughter described her

Frankie Posted 11 months ago

Proud of you! Keep it up!

Shenika Hurst Posted 11 months ago

I'm posting on behalf of a former Student, Sundai "Thank you so for being an amazing teacher"

Sonja Posted 11 months ago

Oh Taylor, I am so proud of you! You have earned this recognition with all your hard work. God is rewarding you for all those struggles you have endured. Those students are lucky cry to have you. Prayers sweet lady.

JT Posted 11 months ago

Proud of you!

Tyler Imhoff Posted 11 months ago

Taylor is an awesome teacher and even better person. She’s passionate and caring about her students and the importance of her job as a teacher. She stands up for doing things the right way and not the easy way. Every student she can connect with she knows she’ll make an impact. It’s not just about academics with Taylor either. She’s trying to mold each student into a better person, which is why she finds the structure of her classroom so important. Her late nights of putting in extra work and putting in extra thought into her lesson plans is admirable. She’s the best teacher I know and I am very proud of her.

Brandi P. Posted 11 months ago

She is an amazing teacher and her students are fortunate to have her.

Kristi Garrett Posted 11 months ago

So proud of you and excited for your students! Never forget your “why” or lose that spark that you bring to the classroom. Your students are so blessed!

Sara Posted 11 months ago

Taylor is one of the most dedicated teachers I’ve ever met. She loves her students and loves helping shape their futures. She goes above and beyond each year. Truly a life changing teacher. ??

Tina Hester Posted 11 months ago

I coached Ms. Surine for four years in cheerleading. She was feisty and worked diligently to make her team the best. I am sure she is the same way as a teacher in the classroom. I am so very proud of her and the accomplishments she has made thus far.