In 1996, when he finished his degree in International Journalism at the Oporto School of Journalism, he began his teaching career at the same institution where he remained for seven years, a profession he held simultaneously with his journalism duties, where he wrote about cultural topics for more than a decade. In 2008, he created the Communication and Media Department of the University of São José, and he remains one of the most representative professors.

During the last decade, he lectured, moderated and participated seminars in more than 20 countries, he also contributed with journalistic articles and scientific papers in numerous publications, including book chapters and academic research published in Portuguese, English and Chinese languages. He wrote books including biographies, novels and academics, also curator of exhibitions and directed documentaries. José Manuel Simões supervised doctoral thesis and monographs for master degrees, jury president and thesis arguer, gave hundreds of interviews to the media, taught dozens of subjects, received honors, mentions of applause and praises.