DeSoto Parish Schools is excited to announce that Jasmine Taylor, Math and Science Master Teacher at Mansfield Middle School, has been named a 2023 Exemplary Educator by the Louisiana State Department of Education. This annual honor recognizes teachers, teacher specialists, and school leaders who represent excellence in education.
DeSoto Parish submitted a recommendation for Ms. Taylor based on the following criteria:
Exceptional educational talent as evidenced by effective and innovative instructional practices and student learning results in the classroom and school;
Exemplary educational accomplishments and leadership beyond the classroom that provide models of excellence for the profession.
Individuals whose contributions to education are largely unheralded yet worthy of the spotlight;
Early- to mid-career educators (minimum of five years) who offer strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership
An engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues, and the community.
Ms. Jasmine Taylor is a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, and has been with the DeSoto Parish School system since 2018. She has spent all four years in DeSoto as an educator at Mansfield Middle School. In 2021-2022, she was named the Mansfield Middle School Teacher of the Year and the DeSoto Parish Schools District Middle School Teacher of the Year.
After earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Spelman College, she returned home, where she earned a Master of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Louisiana State University-Shreveport. Education has always been a calling. Ms. Taylor chose to begin her education career as an assistant basketball coach at her high school alma mater, C.E. Byrd High School, while teaching in Caddo's Transformation School Zones.
Mrs. Mary Register, Executive Master Teacher for DeSoto Parish Schools, provides a valuable insight into Mrs. Taylor's contributions:
"Jasmine Taylor truly embodies Desoto Parish's core values! Ms. Taylor's natural skill at building relationships with students and her way of seeing their potential is the foundation of her success with her kids. Her work with students inside and outside of the classroom motivates everyone!"
Mr. Corey Hill, Principal of Mansfield Middle School, provided the same sentiment; "Ms. Taylor is a valuable asset to Mansfield Middle School's mission and core values. She goes above and beyond the scope of the classroom to connect a positive student culture to a top-tiered educational experience for students."
In getting Ms. Taylor's response to this special recognition, she responded,
"It is Bigger Than Me!”
“Everything I do and have done is for the impact on this next generation. I am here for the kids, and I want them to share this recognition because I am not your great math teacher without them. They took those tests and made those scores. Without the kids, I am not your great coach. I cheered them on while they executed the game plan and put the work into practice. I am honored to gain the 2023 Exemplary Educator Recognition for Louisiana. Still, I have to share my spotlight with all of my Mansfield students who motivate me to keep being my true, authentic self."
Ms. Jasmine Taylor's exemplary educational accomplishments and leadership beyond the classroom showcase her commitment to student achievement and excellence and highlight the importance of engagement in her educational work with her colleagues.
For more information about the 2023 Exemplary Educator Award Program announcement, visit https://www.louisianabelieves.com/newsroom/news-releases/release/2023/09/12/louisiana-department-of-education-announces-2023-exemplary-educators
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