JAMES THOMAS TAYLOR
EL DORADO
Summary
Educational professional with comprehensive understanding of childhood developmental stages and history of creating supportive classroom atmospheres. Known for developing innovative teaching methods that engage young learners and encourage academic growth. Proven team player with focus on collaboration and adaptability to meet evolving needs of students and school community.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
1st Grade Teacher
USD 375: Circle Towanda Elementary
08.2025 - Current
- Implement lessons and create slideshows for teaching a section of 1st grade
Summer School Teacher/Director
USD 375: Circle District
06.2015 - Current
- Plan and implement lessons for students, grades K-6
3rd Grade Teacher
USD 375: Circle Towanda Elementary
08.2016 - 05.2025
- English Language Arts
- Science/Social Studies (co-teacher)
- Plan and implement classroom lessons for all 3rd grade students
Special Families Tutor
Butler County Cooperative Education
06.2015 - 01.2019
- Plan and implement lessons for students enrolled in the summer tutoring program
- Provide additional support to students working on educational goals
4th Grade Teacher
USD 375: Circle Towanda Elementary
08.2014 - 05.2016
- English Language Arts/Social Studies
- Plan and implement classroom lessons for all 4th grade students
3rd Grade Teacher
USD 375: Circle Towanda Elementary
08.2012 - 05.2014
- Self-contained classroom (ELA, Math)
- Plan and implement science lessons for all 3rd grade students
- Work directly with co-teacher for collaboration and teaching
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
FIRST BAPTIST DAY CARE
01.1994 - 01.2010
- Introduced children to basic skills such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, as well as social behavior
Lead Teacher, After-School program
FIRST BAPTIST DAY CARE
01.1994 - 01.2010
- Developed and managed facility’s after-school program of over 25 children ranging from grades K-6, including full-time care in the summer season
Permanent Substitute Teacher, Early Childhood
EDUCARE CENTER, BUTLER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Worked in various rooms in a nationally accredited child care facility rated 5 stars by the Kansas Quality Rating System, while also employed at First Baptist Day Care
Assistant Teacher
EDUCARE CENTER, BUTLER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Worked in various rooms in a nationally accredited child care facility rated 5 stars by the Kansas Quality Rating System, while also employed at First Baptist Day Care
Education
Master of Science in Education - Educational Administration PreK-12
Emporia State University
Emporia, KS05.2020
Bachelor of Science in Education - Elementary Education, K-6
Emporia State University
Emporia, KS05.2012
Associates in Arts - undefined
Butler Community College
El Dorado, KS05.2010
Skills
- Classroom management
- Phonics instruction
- Organizational skills
- Relationship building
- Team collaboration
- Growth mindset
Accomplishments
AmeriCorps Alum (Los Angeles, American Red Cross) 2003
USD 375 Primary Teacher of the Year 2017
Kansas Teacher of the Year Region 2 Nominee 2019
Affiliations
- PTO/Site Council
- Teacher representative
- Student Council
- Work directly with school counselor in all areas of StuCo
- Building/District Leadership Team (BLT, DLT)
- Attend meetings regularly and participate in facilitating KESA action plan
- Cross Country
- Assistant Coach for Circle Middle School XC team
Certification
- Licensed Elementary K-6 Educator - through June 24, 2029.
Timeline
1st Grade Teacher
USD 375: Circle Towanda Elementary
08.2025 - Current
3rd Grade Teacher
USD 375: Circle Towanda Elementary
08.2016 - 05.2025
Summer School Teacher/Director
USD 375: Circle District
06.2015 - Current
Special Families Tutor
Butler County Cooperative Education
06.2015 - 01.2019
4th Grade Teacher
USD 375: Circle Towanda Elementary
08.2014 - 05.2016
3rd Grade Teacher
USD 375: Circle Towanda Elementary
08.2012 - 05.2014
Permanent Substitute Teacher, Early Childhood
EDUCARE CENTER, BUTLER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
01.2007 - 01.2008
Assistant Teacher
EDUCARE CENTER, BUTLER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
01.1998 - 01.2000
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
FIRST BAPTIST DAY CARE
01.1994 - 01.2010
Lead Teacher, After-School program
FIRST BAPTIST DAY CARE
01.1994 - 01.2010
Bachelor of Science in Education - Elementary Education, K-6
Emporia State University
Associates in Arts - undefined
Butler Community College
Master of Science in Education - Educational Administration PreK-12
Emporia State University
WRITING CREDITS
- Reviewed individual episodes of American Idol for the website TVOvermind.com, for the final two seasons on the FOX network 2015/2016
- First book published, My Mommy Burnt the Cookies (Kraken Books) Dec 2015