LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jon Taylor was nominated anonymously. 

"Jon Taylor is a LifeChanger. He changed his life to follow the direction that his heart was leading him. Jon has always been a great student and a rule follower. It was no surprise when he decided to get his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. No one was shocked when Jon decided to further his education to become an attorney and was accepted into Chase School of Law. However, he was interning at a law office while attending law school and had an epiphany. Jon was seeing many juvenile and young adult clients, in addition to older clients who had been on the wrong path for a while. He questioned whether he was doing the right thing and what would make a difference. Jon decided to take a break from law school and pursue a hidden passion: teaching. If he could intervene before they made it to an attorney's office, maybe he could change the trajectory of their future self. He interviewed for a middle school social studies job with a criminal justice and law background and no formal teacher training. He was hired and is now in his second year at Dayton Middle School in Kentucky," said the nominator.

"His principal and superintendent use his classroom as a place to bring visitors and as an exemplary model for other teachers. He innovatively uses AI programs that make historical figures come to life. He encourages students to think outside the box and see where social and civic changes can be made. He creates situations where students are inspired to lead and to learn. He knows his students and incorporates their interests into the lessons. He creates extracurricular clubs and opportunities for students to participate in their school community in various ways outside the school day. He uses the latest technology to get students to complete work and submit answers," said the nominator.

"Jon also works well with exceptional students on both ends of the spectrum. He creates extension activities for students who are ahead of pace. He also provides real-world accommodations and modifications for those who need additional assistance. Student choice is an essential characteristic of his teaching. Students may submit a written assignment or podcast as long as the required material is covered. He allows students to incorporate authentic means of communication to demonstrate that they know the content," said the nominator.

"Mr. Taylor makes sure that he is visible in his students' lives outside of the school building. He attends athletic events, academic competitions, and community engagements. Jon has created a club where students, staff, and parents share a common interest and learn to use the related technology. He spends time beyond normal school hours researching, buying materials, and creating engaging and interactive lessons so students at all levels and abilities can learn and participate. Attendance and participation have increased," said the nominator.

"My favorite Mr. Taylor story was about a student who had a reputation for being sent to the office multiple times during the day. It wasn't just one class; it was from all the classes. One day, Mr. Taylor received a call from the office at the end of the day asking if the student had been present in his class. He responded that they had been there. The office staff questioned him, and Mr. Taylor replied that he was positive that this kid had been in his class because he called on him to answer several questions and had him hand out materials. When Mr. Taylor asked why they needed to know, the office staff said that the student had been sent to the office by every teacher during every class that day except his. They asked him what he did differently and how the student complied in his room. Jon included the student and made him a part of the class. He plugged into the student's need to talk and be mobile and would ask him questions when he started to talk and ask him to make a physical request when he needed to move. The student was so engaged for that class period that he was not sent to the office," said the nominator.

"Teaching isn't just about teaching required content. It is about forming relationships. It is about student engagement. It is about knowing your students and meeting their needs. It is about reaching the whole student and showing them someone cares. Mr. Taylor is the epitome of all of those attributes and more. This is why Mr. Taylor is a Life Changer; he influences students, models for beginning teachers, and influences teachers who have been in the profession longer than he has existed," said the nominator.