There were lots of great activities this weekend.  Hubbard Elementary students spent the night at the Georgia Aquarium.  Justin Wachtel ran for more medals in track and field competition.  MP JROTC drill team had a great showing at competition, and MCMS had a great time at Science Olympiad competition.  Are you following us on Twitter?  See the latest activities of Monroe County Schools on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/monroe_schools.  Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/monroe_schools/.

Monroe County Schools' administrators participated in Saturday's Middle Georgia RESA Regional Job Fair at Westside High School in Macon.  Our online application system is located at https://www.applitrack.com/monroega/onlineapp/.

We're featuring a different school's Teacher of the Year leading up to the April Board of Education meeting when this year's System Teacher of the Year is announced.  This week's feature is Tamarkis Taylor, third grade teacher at TG Scott Elementary School.

Please share your personal education history. Where did you grow up? Where did you graduate from high school? Where did you go to college? What degree(s) earned?
I was very fortunate to grow up here in Forsyth, Georgia, graduating from Mary Persons High School in 2009. Upon high school graduation, I attended Middle Georgia State University in Macon, Georgia where I earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education in 2014.

What is a funny memory or story you can share from your teaching experience?
One afternoon, I was teaching a math lesson and using my interactive whiteboard. After the lesson was over, my class and I spent almost 15 minutes looking for the pen to this board which turned out to be perched behind my ear the entire time. Needless to say, my students thought this was the funniest thing in the world, and they mention it very often.

How long have you been teaching and what have your teaching assignments been? How long have you been a part of Monroe County Schools? Have you taught anywhere else as well?  I have been teaching a total of 4 years, all of which have been spent at Thomas G. Scott Elementary School as a third grade teacher. I also completed all of my student teaching at T.G. Scott during college, and I was able to learn valuable lessons from several amazing teachers.

If you could provide one piece of advice to new teachers, what would you tell them?
One piece of advice I could give to new teachers would be to never be afraid to ask for help and learn from your mistakes. Teaching can be a very challenging job and it is important to develop good relationships with your fellow educators where you can be honest with each other, get news ideas, and advice. Never be afraid to make mistakes.

What does it mean to you to be chosen as teacher of the year for your school?
I am very honored to have received this title for my school. I am proud to represent T.G. Scott Elementary, a school full of hard-working and determined educators with a mutual goal: to ensure student success inside and outside the classroom. I am humbled to be part of a school and community that view education as a top priority and where teachers are appreciated for their hard work.

Was there a teacher or administrator who influenced your occupation choice?
I have been fortunate to have some great teachers and administrators over the years. All of which have had a great influence in my career choice. My Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Holt comes to mind. She made learning fun and ingrained a love for learning at a young age.

Share about your family and your life outside of school. Hobbies? Interests?
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my parents, grandparents, and younger brother. I also enjoy working with animals at a local veterinary clinic as a veterinary assistant. Reading, bowling, and spending time with my family and friends are things I enjoy the most.

What does the future hold for you in education?
I enjoy being in the classroom and interacting with students. My plan for the future is to continue teaching at the elementary level and gaining experience in teaching other upper elementary grade levels. Working in administration in the far future is also a goal.

March 9th. Please contact Annie Dyke at annie.dyke@mcschools.org

with any questions.