TOTY Spotlight: Taylor Priest

Family: Family plays an important role in my life. I live next door to my parents, who are my biggest supporters. We live on the same piece of land where my older brother and I grew up. My niece also lives next door and getting to be a part of her life everyday is one of my biggest blessings. My family also includes my boyfriend, Scott, who has been by my side since 2013. He has shown me so much love and support over the years and has had a front row seat to my teaching journey. I don’t have any kids, besides the 65 students I spend most of my days with at school and my dog, Gus.   

Who is your role model? Mrs. Mia Pace, who was my 2nd and 3rd grade teacher at Golden Isles Elementary. Although it has been a long time since I’ve been in her class, we have stayed in touch over the years. She was the teacher that took the time to get to know me, even though I was the shy girl that didn’t say much in class. I left her classroom knowing I was loved and was always excited to come back the next day. I want to make my students feel the way I felt when I was in her class.

 

What book has most influenced you? Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume is a book that has majorly influenced my life. The memories that are attached to this book are connected with my 2nd and 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Mia Pace. I can remember sitting on the rug in front of her rocking chair listening to her read a few pages each day. This book helped me develop a love for reading at a very young age and ultimately helped me develop a life-long love for learning. I still have a copy of this book that I keep on the bookshelf at my house.

What is your greatest teaching memory? One of my greatest teaching memories took place on the last day of school my first year teaching. I started the tradition of creating a video including photos that were taken throughout the year to play at the end of the year. I pick a song to play during the slideshow that connects with that class. While watching the video, I was overwhelmed with feelings of surviving my first year in the classroom and having to leave that special group of students. At the end of each year, I get to sit with my students and take a moment to reflect on all our accomplishments, experiences, and memories that we have shared together. Every year a new video is created, new photos are uploaded, a special song is selected, and many tears are shed. With each new group of students, I get to remember the special feeling from my first, last day of school as a teacher.

What is your favorite quote or personal motto? “No rain, no flowers.” 
Learning to appreciate the clouds and rainy days that bring our flowers growth is important. It’s okay if you have a day that isn’t full of sunshine. The rain helps our flowers bloom.

 

What is a fact about you that most people don't know? I started college with goals of becoming a nurse. I had always dreamed of becoming a teacher, but when it was time to decide my major, I went with nursing simply because it paid more. During my sophomore year of college, those plans changed. Suddenly, I could no longer stand the sight of blood and definitely couldn’t even think about a needle. Obviously, I had to change my major, and it ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I always laugh and say this was God’s way of showing me what I really needed to do with my life. 

 

Any hidden talents or hobbies? My favorite place to be, besides the classroom, is outdoors. I love to go fishing, gigging, hunting, and traveling. During the summer months, I enjoy going to the river, taking out the jet skis, relaxing on the sandbar, and riding in the boat. When it’s cold outside, you can find me next to a fire or near a heater.