Today we’d like to introduce you to Daisha Taylor.
Daisha, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It all started in Motown… I am a proud native of Detroit, MI. Growing up, I’ve always enjoyed math, music, and writing poetry. Attending a performing art high school afforded me many opportunities to use my creativity. Not only did I participate in many school performances, but I also won many poetry contests at my school. The schools’ pledge, that was recited daily by the entire student body was written by me. I graduated in 2002 as Valedictorian of my senior class and went on to Eastern Michigan University where I completed my undergraduate studies. I earned my Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education, becoming certified to teach grades Pre-K through 8th. I later received my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 2017.
I’ve always had a passion for teaching. I understand the value that a good education can bring someone. So naturally, teaching was my dream job! After graduating from college, I embarked on an unknown journey and left everything and everyone behind me to relocate to Riverdale, GA. My first job in Georgia was a Pre- K teaching position. I was hired within ten minutes of my interview. It was a pleasure teaching Pre- K for three years before going into secondary education. Teaching 6th and 7th-grade math and science was a big leap from Pre- K but, it was a great experience. One day, after teaching my 7th graders a lesson about integers, they walked away lost and confused. I became frustrated because I didn’t know how to get them to remember what I needed them to know to show mastery of the standard. Driving to work the next morning, I heard the song “Type of Way” (by Rich Homie Quan) playing on the radio. As I listened to the beat these words began to pop in my head, “My integer rules will help you in school, all you have to do is put ‘em on your paper…”
By the time I arrived at work, I had a whole integer rule song. I taught my students the words and they loved it. They retained the information and their assessment scores increased tremendously. That was my AHA moment! Through the use of music, I was able to engage my students on their level. After teaching middle school for a couple of years, I started working at Church Street Elementary school in Clayton County. I used my gift of writing lyrics to create more content related songs using popular tracks that my students were familiar with. At this point, I became the self-proclaimed, “Lit Teacher”. To date, I have written songs about various mathematical and scientific concepts. My Order of Operations video was the first to go viral on Facebook in 2018 and people wanted to hear more from me. I created my teacher Instagram page where I began posting videos and math strategies, I received a tremendous amount of support and positive feedback from strangers. Additionally, I’ve had celebrities that were impressed by my teaching style and lyrics who have shared a few of my videos, this shined an even brighter spotlight on my page. Recently, I was awarded a check for $503 from a local radio station (v103), partnered with Peach State health plan as their Teacher of the Month recipient (October). I love being an inspiration for my students as well as others around the world.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road that led me to become an educator was pretty smooth. I completed all of my course work and passed my certification tests on the first try. Moving from grade level to grade level sometimes presented a few challenges because each time I had to familiarize myself with all new content standards in order to teach them correctly. Being able to rhyme and put information into songs made teaching the standards a bit more fun and exciting. My love for music and mathematics gave me the motivation that I needed when I felt like giving up. I’ve written my best songs in times of defeat when I felt as if the students just didn’t get it.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
This year, I teach 5th-grade math and science. I am best known for writing content-rich songs that help students retain procedural information. I am most proud of my ability to reach and inspire people through music/ rhymes. Allowing students to sing and dance in the classroom sets me apart from many other educators.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My creativity is the most important characteristic of my success. It allows me to create songs that can not only help improve students’ academic knowledge but also help build their social and emotional skills. When I wrote my first few songs, I was overwhelmed with the number of responses revealing that my words had touched the lives of people beyond my classroom. When I started my career, I never imagined that I would be creating songs let alone, being in a position to share them with the world. I am honored to know that my creativity can positively impact people’s lives.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: daisha.taylor2009
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