08/21/09 - Madison County
Tonya Taylor has been teaching
second grade at Milan Elementary School for the last five
years. She calls it her favorite grade she
has taught in her 25 years as an educator in Milan Schools.
"They are so eager to learn.
They are accepting," Taylor said. "They enjoy what you do.
They appreciate what you do."
Taylor said this time of
year of welcoming in a fresh class is always exciting. "A new
group of students, new experiences, new excitement they're
always excited and waiting to learn different things."
Taylor has taught various
grades, from kindergarteners to seniors in high school,
which she said has given her a wide range of experiences. It
was an experience with a teacher when she was an elementary
student that inspired her to dedicate her life to education.
"My first grade teacher was very
loving and nurturing, yet she was a wonder educator," Taylor
said. "That instilled in me to make me want to get into
education and work with young children."
Taylor's colleagues describe her
as
modest about the positive effect she has on her students.
They believe no one deserves this award more than her. "It's
just really heart touching to know that people feel I'm
doing a good job, because I always put forth 100% and want
to do a good job," said Taylor.