Meet Taylor

I am a current teacher in Orange County and a proud product of OCPS District 1. A native to Union Park, I attended Arbor Ridge School and University High School, where I was heavily involved in the performing arts and vigorous academic magnet programs that East Orlando has to offer. Pursuing my dreams of becoming a teacher, I attended the University of Central Florida and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Music Education, with a minor in Political Science.

As a band and orchestra director, I have a special opportunity to foster community with my students through the power of music in the Lockhart community, where I have been helping revitalize my school’s performing arts program. Our music program enrollment has doubled in just two years, now including over two-thirds of our students. Working for Title I families has helped me understand how crucial it is to nurture our students, collaborate with parents and community members, and support our teachers and staff.

In the past three years, I have worked with local and national nonprofit organizations to raise over $50,000 towards instruments and equipment for my students in OCPS, in addition to receiving Title I grant funds. These funds helped provide my students with brand new instruments that our music program desperately needed- no student should be denied an arts education based on their economic background.

Outside of teaching, I am also a board member for a local 501c3, the Brass Band of Central Florida. I have been an active performer for the past four years and lead grant-writer for our organization for the past three years.

My advocacy has made significant impacts on the organizations I call home. Lockhart Middle School has added a significant amount of instruments to the inventory to allow all students to participate in music, and the Brass Band of Central Florida has been involved in more education outreach opportunities since I have joined the board. As a teacher, I have sought every opportunity possible to better my students’ musical experience, collaborated with several other music programs and local musicians, and have been consistently advocating for my school’s and community’s improvement. These experiences prove that I will be the best advocate for students, families, and staff in Orange County.