Jane Taylor
My name is Jane Taylor, and it wasn't until I entered the classroom again, 31 years ago as a special education paraprofessional at Lawn Elementary that I realized how rewarding it was to work with students who struggled in some way with a learning disability. At the time, I had a business degree from Abilene Christian University and had been helping my husband in the family restaurant business, Taylor's Café, when I decided to find another job that would help supplement our income. Instead of a job I found a love for teaching students with special needs.
In 1996, I soon found myself going back to school through the Alternative Certification Program offered through Region 14 Service Center, so I could attain a teaching certificate in Special Education. After working as a paraprofessional for 4 years, I was finally the K-5th special education teacher at Lawn Elementary. Twenty-seven years later, I am still teaching reading, math and language arts at Lawn Elementary, but my passion is teaching reading and math. I believe all students can learn and will learn if they are taught in the modalities that meet their individual needs. I love learning about the brain, what it likes, and how it best retains information, so I can apply brain friendly techniques to my teaching. Special Education is not a place, it is a service that is best provided in the least restrictive environment. That is why I strongly believe that all students should be included in the general education classroom with their peers. I also work closely with teachers to ensure this can be done as often as possible. I love helping children who struggle reach their goals. I wouldn't want to work in any other field.
My husband and I have been married 43 years and have 2 beautiful grown daughters, Amber 42 and Brittney 37. Amber lives in Farmington, New Mexico and is the office manager/agent for Ben Mortensen State Farm. Brittney lives in Oplin TX, Texas and is starting her seventh year as the Cafeteria Manager at Lawn Elementary.