Teacher of the Week | Ellen Taylor
February 21st, 2008, 7:54 pm Hobby Shops
Reason for teaching: I love going to school. By teaching I could go to school every day and continue to learn myself, while helping others to learn at the same time. I also have a true love of literature. I enjoy sharing it with others Greatest moments as a teacher: When I run into former students and they update me on how they are doing in school or life. It makes me feel wonderful to perceive that I contributed to the success of another human. To be able to say that I touched the life of someone is an honorable feeling. Most embarrassing moment: Actually, I have at least one of these per day. I tend to fall down a great deal or run into things. The worst that I remember was about 15 years ago. I was sitting in my desk chair and I leaned to reach a stapler. I slid out of the chair and to the floor. I ended up under my desk. For a few seconds, I thought maybe if I just stood up, no one would notice. Then, I heard someone say, “Where did Mrs. Taylor go?” And another student answered: “She’s under her desk.” I knew then that it was too late to cover it up. Least favorite part of teaching: FCAT testing. I do believe in accountability, but I feel that too much emphasis is placed on FCAT results. Also, paperwork. It is endless. It is much greater than when I started teaching. Person you admire most and why? My husband, Andy. He is a remarkable man. As an administrator for Orange County public schools, he was highly regarded for his leadership ability. He was able to recruit and retain the best and brightest teachers. Richard Ellenburg, an Orange County science teacher and the 2008 Florida teacher of the year, was one of his teachers. Favorite movies: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and To Kill a Mockingbird Last book you read?: Double Cross by James Patterson Hobbies: I enjoy attending art festivals and fairs. Taking my dog to the beach is another activity that pleases me. Watching my sons participate in sports is a true joy. If you weren’t a teacher, what career would you choose and why? My love of animals makes me consider working as a docent at the zoo or maybe helping with training dogs to assist the handicapped when I retire. I also love to shop, so maybe there is a future for me as a personal shopper. Was there a special teacher that you remember? Actually there were two: My first-grade teacher, Jane Kelly at Mary Bryant Elementary School in Kissimmee, was a true example of what a teacher should be. She kept in touch with me right up until her death a few years ago. She attended my wedding and came to my high school graduation. She was a remarkable woman. Also, I was privileged to have had the same band director at Osceola Junior High School and Osceola High School, Larry O’Grady. He is another fine example of an outstanding teacher. He played a large role in influencing me to go into education. He retired a few years ago from Osceola County public schools. Ellen Taylor was nominated by colleague Susan Hatchett. Volusia public- and private-school teachers will be profiled throughout the year. E-mail Eileen Marie Simoneau at vteachspot@mac.com or call her at 386-561-7356 or fax 386-851-7918. Include your name, phone number and a reason why you would like to see this teacher profiled. EILEEN MARIE SIMONEAU/SPECIAL TO THE SENTINEL
More articles
Tags: amp, Hobbies, lace, leadership, mom, nfl, perce, privilege, sports, stapleRelated posts
