Like many teachers, Taylor Grey Marcantel was inspired to become an educator by the great teachers who taught her and her peers.

“Watching how my teachers could build positive relationships with students and help us all reach our highest potential made me want to as well.”

A straight-A student, she graduated from DeQuincy High School in 2013. She earned a Bachelor of Science in child and family studies from LSU in 2017. Her teaching certification for elementary education and mild to moderate special education were earned through iTeach.

Marcantel always knew she wanted to work with kids. And like those teachers who inspired her, her favorite part of the job is guiding students through difficult concepts.

“My favorite part of teaching is working with a student who is struggling in some aspect and watching their face light up when they finally understand what is going on or how to solve a problem.”

She is halfway through her sixth year as a teacher. In her first year, she taught headstart at J.D. Clifton.

When the position of fifth-grade special education in the resource setting opened up in her hometown, she dove into the opportunity even though it was uncharted waters.

“I had never taught kids over the age of five before. I wasn’t even certified yet,” she recalled. “However, with the help of some amazing teachers, I fell in love with SPED and getting to work closely with a smaller group of students.

“It was a lot to learn in a short amount of time, but that first group of kids still have my heart and I can’t wait to see what they make of themselves.”

In her now five years at DeQuincy Elementary, she has taught combo Special Education for third through fifth grades. For four of those years, she also served as one of the DeQuincy Middle School cheer sponsors.

Her education philosophy is built on the foundation of a positive and inclusive classroom culture that is essential for students to thrive.

“I recognize that each student brings unique experiences, perspectives and abilities to the classroom, and I am committed to celebrating this diversity.”

This is done through working closely with students to learn about their histories and build relationships with them.

“This allows me to cultivate a safe and supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable participating, asking questions and expressing themselves without fear of making mistakes.”

Educators help communities by helping students, she said. Their work instills the values of empathy, compassion and responsibility in youth. This is an act that creates ripples of positive consequences.

“The students take these lessons learned in the classroom and apply them to their everyday lives. This helps to create members in our society who strive to help one another and have positive connections with the people around them.”

Marcantel urges teachers to remember that their career is a journey of continuous learning and growth.

“You will not know everything you need to know on the first day and that is ok. … Find a school with a good support system and lean on them. Before you know it, you will be one of those pillars helping the next teacher on their journey.”