Story & Lesson Highlights with Josh Pinto Taylor of Decatur

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Josh Pinto Taylor. Check out our conversation below.

Josh, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Who are you learning from right now?
I’m currently reading two books on the topic of abundance. The first is called Abundance, written by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson. The second is called The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, written by Robin Wall Kimmerer. These authors are encouraging humanity to embrace the ancient wisdom that many of our most valuable resources are available in abundance: gratitude, community, connectedness, gifts, love, presence.

I must admit, there is some tension I feel in their perspective – for example, with respect to time. Between my efforts to be a loving husband, present father, and intentional school leader, my time is scarce, and that makes time feel precious, fleeting, and increasingly valuable.

I look forward to finishing these two books and continuing to think about the implications of abundance and scarcity in my own life.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I consider myself to be a purpose-driven leader in education, blending scholarship with hands‑on execution to reimagine how learning happens in local communities. As the Head of School of The Anchor School (the school I co-founded in 2022), I lead an innovative charter school committed to transforming the educational experience of young people and their families.

With a career spanning nearly two decades in education leadership — from classroom instruction and research fellowships — I promote high-impact practices through a research‑informed lens.

I hold a Doctorate in Education from Johns Hopkins University and a Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. My practice as an educator aims to build academic rigor alongside real-world impact. My research interests are at the intersection of community development, city planning, and education. I believe that schools, more so than any other modern institution, have the potential to increase youth civic engagement in ways that can authentically include young people in the creation of the future.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My wife Emily has always seen me clearly. When I was in college, I had an opportunity to tutor high school students in math and science. I was dating Emily at the time, and she was able to recognize my passion for education. She encouraged me to be a teacher, and I am grateful for how she helped me see myself more clearly.

When did you last change your mind about something important?
Every spring, our 6th grade scholars participate in a passion project where they get to think critically about our school community. Their driving question is “How can I use my voice to advocate for change I believe in at The Anchor School?” They use their experiences to shape their sense of what works and what needs to improve on our campus. They learn about power mapping and how to interview people in positions of power. They conduct surveys of their peers as part of their design thinking process. They create a prototype and a presentation to advocate for change on our campus. Every spring, I learn something new from our scholars about how our school is working and not working yet. Some of the most important work I do every year is answering their questions when they interview me – and listening to their ideas when they are presented at their spring showcase. At the end of the year, we award an implementation grant to at least two groups so that their quality improvement ideas can be realized in the following school year. This school year our cafeteria is getting new furniture and a redesign in response to the creativity and passion of our scholars.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
The work of teachers is irreplaceable. There isn’t a technological breakthrough that has already come (nor do I believe there is one coming) to replace the work of teachers. Technology can support the work of teachers. However, I believe the magic happens when two people connect, heart and mind, around a shared learning goal and shared set of experiences in a physical space. My message to the brilliant technologists out there would be to aim to support the work of teachers, because, in my view, a good teacher cannot and should not be replaced by technology.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
That’s an interesting question. I’m fairly confident that I will never know nor fully understand my own impact. Educators are like gardeners. We plant seeds. We nurture the soil. We water regularly. We measure and celebrate growth. We start that process over each year. It is incredibly meaningful for me to see my former students in the community, leading their generation and future generations towards a better future.

I remember the first time I saw one of my teachers in the community (outside of the school). It gave her more depth as a person. From that perspective, I think it’s possible some of the young people I work with as an educator may not understand me as a father or a husband – two of the most important roles in my life. I hope my greatest impact is made in the quiet family moments I share with my wife and children at our home and in our community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.anchorschool.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anchorschoolatl/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-pinto-taylor-ed-d-77913035/

Image Credits
Name of company included on image. No additional credits needed.