Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1437729
DEION TAYLOR Deion Taylor, an eighth-grade history teacher and the head basketball coach at Mount de Sales Academy, is setting the tone for training our youth and being dapper while doing so. Born and raised in New Orleans, Taylor graduated from the University of Richmond where he received his bachelor's degree in Political Science while playing four years of collegiate basketball. He then taught high school in New Orleans for a few years, but the opportunity to teach, coach and make an impact on those around him called him to Macon. "I want to be able to lead students in the right direction academically and also teach them what it takes to be a good human being," Taylor said. "Plus, as a young African-American male, I like to be a representation to young men on how a man should carry himself in this day and age." Of course, the pandemic has brought a whole new set of challenges to teachers and students. "Teachers and students are faced with many adversities throughout the school year, whether it is having to do virtual classes with students or being in the school building and making sure that everyone is being as safe as possible," Taylor said. "Teaching virtually is a challenge in itself, especially for the younger students because of their learning styles. I believe they require more hands-on learning in order for lessons to be efficient and beneficial to them." As a competitor and educator of five years, Taylor knows what it takes to make sure those around him are prepared and able to overcome the challenges they are facing — whether on the court or in the classroom. And when it comes to style, Taylor knows how to leave a slam-dunk impression. "Being a sports guy, I've always heard, 'If you look good, you play good,' which means that dressing well and looking nice gives you that boost of confidence you may need throughout your day," he said. "I use that same ideology when I get dressed for my day and try to instill that same idea into my students, especially the young men that I teach. "Teaching is not an easy job but it is fulfilling and rewarding knowing that we are able to make an impact in a child's life and shape their education and character for the better. Helping them grow into the successful adults we hope to see them become one day is everything." DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022 | maconmagazine.com 105