Educator of the Week: Colton Taylor

It’s time now to recognize our Educator of the Week, brought to you by the Tennessee Education Lottery.

Colton Taylor is a high school world history teacher and coach at West Carroll Jr./Sr. High School.

This will be Taylor’s first full semester once it’s complete.

He shares his favorite part of being an educator.

“Interacting with the kids, all different demographics, backgrounds, none of them are the same and I like being a part of the different lives and being able to impact each of them,” Taylor said.

Taylor then explains his approach to teaching.

“They research on their own, and then they teach me as they’re learning, and I’ll separate them into groups,” Taylor said. “They’ll teach each other and teach me as we’re all learning at the same time.”

Taylor shares one of the reasons he knows teaching is the right choice.

“Whenever the students enter the classroom and I’m not having the best day myself, they enter the classroom with just the biggest smile on their faces. It changes my attitude, it changes their attitude and we all, the environment and the atmosphere in the classroom, it makes a big difference.”

For future educators, Taylor gives advice.

“It sounds cliché, but find your why, the reason why you wanted to do this, you chose to do this and always think back to that, ’cause not every day is going to be easy, there are some really difficult days. Just remember your why and revert back to that.”

Taylor is grateful for his nomination.

“Completely shocked,” he said. “One hundred percent shocked and thankful.”

Taylor is now eligible for the Tennessee Education Lottery Educator of the Month award.

To vote for him or any other nominees, go to the Tennessee Education Lottery website.

To nominate an educator for our Educator of the Week award, email us at educator@wbbjtv.com.