NAME:
Mr. Thomas Taylor
SCHOOL:
Middle School of the Kennebunks
CLASS:
Social Studies
SCHOOL PHONE:
467-8004
I was born and raised in Jenkintown, PA. just outside Philadelphia with my
12 brothers and sisters. I graduated from Bishop McDevitt HS and then went
on to graduate from East Stroudsburg University with a B.A. in Economics. I
moved to Maine in 1994 where I attended the University of Southern Maine. I
earned my teaching certification through the ETEP Program and went on to
earn my Masters Degree in Education from USM as well. I taught in Raymond, ME
for 5 years before coming to RSU 21 in 2001. I have been married to my
fantastic wife, Amy, for 13 years and we have 2 great kids, Natalie and
Jackson.
I also love coaching. I coached football at Scarborough HS for 4
years and now coach my son's 4th and 5th grade tackle football team. I also coached
Track and Field at Kennebunk HS for 7 years.
My mission for my classes is to create an environment where all students
feel safe, supported, and respect one another. When this type of atmosphere
is nurtured I believe all students can learn at their optimal level. In order to
develop understanding and engage in exploration of a new topic students must
take risks by asking questions, sharing points of view, and debating points of view. When students
feel safe, supported, and are respected they are more
apt to take these risks. Students discover their abilities when they, as
Vgotsky would say, stretch their "zone of proximal development". When
students test uncharted waters, by taking risks in the classroom, they learn
about their true potential. I will work to create this safe, supportive, and
respectful learning environment so that all students can reach their full
potential.
