LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Taylor McCoy was nominated by Amanda Curley, a family member.

"Taylor continues to put her students and classroom needs before most," Curley explains. "Two years ago, we lost our father unexpectedly. Taylor was six months pregnant, right before students were due back in school after the summer break. Taylor took no time to grieve because she was adamant that she set her classroom up. It needed to be just perfect for her students. She taught all the way up until the day before her son was born."

All while teaching, Mrs. McCoy was continuing her own education. One week after giving birth, she was back in the classroom, continuing her degree. Last summer, for weeks on end, Mrs. McCoy brought her son to work, playpen and all, to make sure her classroom was up to par for the return of her students.

"There were many weekends I was babysitting so she could attend Fall Festival or parent-teacher conferences, even if no parents showed up. She wants to be there, just in case. She does her best to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment for her students because she knows how home life can be once they leave school. She cares about her students and always feels that she can do more," said Curley.

Mrs. McCoy has surpassed what a teacher must do with her students, which is to educate! She absolutely adores, loves, honors, and protects her students as if they were her own children. Mrs. McCoy has been caring for students well before becoming a mother herself. She has always had that natural, genuine caregiver spirit. Mrs. McCoy has always been up for the challenge, no matter what the child brings, because it's her life's purpose. You can see it by the way she interacts not only with the children but with their families. She is constantly making efforts to engage and advance her knowledge in matters to better her students and their families. Mrs. McCoy has made such a huge impact on so many of her students' lives.

It is important to find educators who understand the importance of trust and open communication, especially when working in an urban school district and with students who face multiple challenges. Mrs. McCoy walks into her class with an open and loving heart each day. She helps where she can, both inside and outside the classroom. The kids adore her as much as the parents. She empowers and encourages families to have a voice but more importantly, she encourages her students!

"Taylor makes her students feel special," said Curley. "She makes them feel like they can achieve anything they want because she doesn't set limits on them. Taylor teaches them to push within their surroundings so the world can learn to adjust with them appropriately! Taylor is not just an educator; she's a 'Momucator.' She's that safe space within the walls of her building. As a parent, you know your child is well taken care of because they are learning and being nurtured from the root by someone who values them! There is no one more deserving of this award than her!"