Erica Taylor
Grade 2 Teacher
At WES Since: 2022
What is one of your goals as a teacher?
One goal I try to accomplish as a teacher is to let my students feel safe with making mistakes. Mistakes are where the learning happens – you can only really grow by making a mistake, learning from it, and coming up with a plan to move forward from the mistake. I hope to create a classroom environment where not only children know they can make a mistake and learn from it, but also lift their peers to help them learn from mistakes made in and out of the classroom.
What is your philosophy on teaching?
My educational philosophy is rooted in educating the whole child. Each child develops and learns at their own pace, so I set academic goals for each child to reach or exceed throughout the year to help them reach their fullest potential. While it’s important to teach academics to students, I believe it’s equally, if not more, important to teach skills that will develop with them throughout their lives. I like to sprinkle in important life concepts, such as how to problem solve, think critically, and respectfully resolve conflicts, into my daily academic lessons, while also establishing a classroom environment that is empathetic, kind, and welcoming.
Bio:
I spent my undergraduate years at the Catholic University of America, where I received my bachelor’s degree in elementary education, followed by a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from George Washington University. With over eight years of varied experience in the teaching field, I have taught Grade 2, served as the Director of Student Culture, and was promoted to the position of Assistant Principal at St. Peter School in D.C. Most recently I served as the Assistant Director at the Goddard School in North Bethesda. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy going on hikes and adventures with my husband, Sean, and our two pups, Odin and Leo. Originally from New Jersey, I often visit my family back home and soak up the sun at the nearby beaches. My family and I take an annual trip to Walt Disney World, which began when I was in elementary school!
