Meet Ja’Quez Taylor | Educational Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ja’Quez Taylor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ja’Quez, what is the most important factor behind your success?
To me, the most important factor behind my success has been that I continue to model for Black and Brown boys in a positive manner. My success is much bigger than me as a person. I want my success and legacy to be remembered by those that I have impacted throughout my journey as an educator. The success of my brand is to promote educational success and opportunities to those that I connect with and serve in Urban communities. Having a proven and successful track record of connecting with students, families, and urban communities at Large has helped me gain experiences that I don’t take lightly. Each of my experiences has continued to shape and mode my success as a servant leader.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

In my time as an educator, I have been truly blessed to cross paths with some amazing students, families, and colleagues that I cherish and hold in my heart deeply. As an educator, I have always stood out from my peers because of my eagerness and willingness to go above and beyond for the work that I do. I’m often asked by people “Why do you stay in education?” My response always and will forever be. “The work I do I get joy out of it because I didn’t have a Mr. Taylor coming through elementary, middle, and high school. This work is hard work but in reality, it is HEART work.” The majority of educators don’t enter into the education profession for fame or money. Many educators enter into the profession to shape and mode the lives of children and families that they serve.

My first year serving in education was not easy. There were many nights I cried and questioned if I was worthy enough to do the job God called me to do. However, God gave me the strength to endure the process day by day as I learned a lot about the profession of teaching, and myself. That first year as an educator truly groomed me into being the best educator. Throughout that first year. I learned that I couldn’t take everything personal that was being thrown at me. As I learned to navigate my emotions during that first year it set me aside early in my career from many individuals that work alongside me day-to-day. I learned that if I couldn’t control the situation I needed not to worry about it. There is truly no need to take it personal unless children and families are being misused and mishandled that is when I take it personal. I’m truly a proud product and supporter of public education.

I want many who will read this to know that I’m an educator that is dedicated to transforming the work in public education, schools and how we model our teaching for the next generation. I have many innovative ideas that I want to put into practice across our country that I foresee our society progressing to the next level in our education system. It is my hope that as a nation we will continue to fight for our children’s education and look to other countries as a guide for education practices and resources. I’m committed to continuing the work as an educator however, I’m going to need dedicated supporters and strong advocates that will rally with me and take a stand for children, public education, and education funding.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite spot in the city is any of the beaches in Miami Dade Or Fort Lauderdale. When my friends come to visit Miami, I typically would suggest spending time at the beaches following up from the beach. I would suggest The Wharf Downtown Fort Lauderdale, or the Wynwood area which has a lot of art and design. It is also a great place to mingle with locals and tourists. After exploring Wynnwood, I would suggest to my friends and family to spend some time in South Beach which is not my thing. (lol) South Beach for me is just a hype but it is a hype that tourists should experience during their time in Miami. Everyone knows that South Beach is the main attraction for tourists that come to visit Miami. Nonetheless I suggest two great restaurants for brunch in South Beach and those restaurants are Bacon Bitch and Limonada Bar and Brunch which are top rated brunch spots in the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In all of my educational and career successes, I give thanks to my 3 extraordinary mentors that inspire me daily. Dr. Sabreen Mutawally, Dr. June Atkinson, and Mr. Kevin Leake. My mentors inspire me daily to set the example and be the example for someone else that may be looking up to me as a mentor and educator. These special individuals serve different purposes in my life because of their experiences, backgrounds, and the relationships we have established. I once heard a wise woman say “mentors are nothing but human cheat sheets.” After hearing that quote it has stuck with me and has never left my memory. My mentors have set me up with tools, resources, knowledge, and grooming based on their educational experiences.With their guidance it has set me up for each milestone that I encounter in my personal and professional walk of life. Each time I speak with my mentors I’m often reminded that the work that I’m doing is much bigger than me. That I must keep progression because the fruits of my labor are not in vain. So to my wonderful education and professional mentors Sabreen, June, and Kevin. I send a HUGE shoutout and “THANK YOU” for all that you do to invest and pour into me.

Website: https://linktr.ee/JDTaylor

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ja-quez-d-taylor-826b1175/

Twitter: directorjdt

Image Credits
Luguzy Atkins Photos – Greensboro, NC Jeb Loftin Photos – Dallas, TX