Today we are peeking in on another relatively new Grizzly team member, Mrs. Taylor Paschal. Mrs. Paschal came to us during the 2019-2020 school year as and elementary teacher. This year she transitioned to middle and high school instruction where she teaches high school Career Management and seventh and eight grade Social Studies. Keep reading to learn more about this great addition to Clover Garden.

Tell us a little bit about you and your family.

“Originally, I am from Danville, Virginia. My husband is from the area, so after getting married, we decided Burlington was the perfect fit for us to call home. I have been married to my husband, Taylor, for four years this past June. We met right before I graduated high school in 2012. Everyone always asks how strange is it to be married to someone with the same name, or how do we differentiate between the two. Our friends just usually refer to us as “Boy Taylor” and “Girl Taylor.” We have a son who will be 2 at the end of September, Keegan Jack, who keeps us busy. We also have an Australian shepherd, Dirk, that we got as a wedding present for each other, named after our favorite Dallas Mavericks player.”

Where did you attend college and what types of jobs have you held?

“I attended Averett University, where I majored in Clinical/Counseling, Biological Psychology, and Integrative Health Psychology. While attending Averett, I was a four-year member of the softball program where I served as a captain multiple years. I would say I do not have a single favorite collegiate memory, but all come from my time being part of the softball program. I was able to live with three teammates who became some of my best friends. Our team set a lot of firsts for the softball program including: regional berth to the NCAA tournament, conference champions, and the highest team batting average in the nation. I held the nation’s #1 batting average for my junior year, and is my most cherished accomplishment as a ball player. After attending Averett, I went through the NC Teach program at East Carolina University where I received my teaching license for Social Studies 9-12.  This year will be my fifth year in education, and teaching has been my first profession out of college.”

What are your favorite hobbies, books, foods, places to vacation, etc?

“A lot of my hobbies stem from sports. My husband and I play slowpitch softball, kickball, and golf together. We love attending/watching any UNC athletic events, and Tennessee Titans games. I enjoy watching house flipping shows, like Fixer Upper, and my new favorite Home Town. My favorite readings tend to be from: Jo Anna Gaines, Lysa Terkeurst, Jodi Piccoult, and blogs from She Rises. I enjoy vacationing to the beach, especially the less touristy ones, and Nashville. I find myself having an appreciation for good BBQ, wings, and ANY ice cream.”

What drives you as an educator?

“By pushing students’ critical thinking skills, helping develop academic responsibility, and giving a supportive/nurturing environment; I love to watch students take control of their learning, and have fun while doing it. I’ve learned already these skills can really push growth academically in kids, but more importantly in their everyday lives. This is the most rewarding part of my job, and what drives me as an educator. In the years I’ve taught, I have collected so many proud moments, one being part of helping a student receive the Levine Scholarship for a full ride to UNCC, and honestly just watching all my students go on to be successful adults.”

What is your best advice for students?

“The best advice I could give for students is: invest in a planner, set some goals for yourself (short and long term), and take responsibility for your work. The moment you start taking responsibility for not only your successes but even harder your failures; is when you realize you are in control of your outcomes, future, and potential.”

As a relatively new Grizzly team member what if anything has surprised you most about being a teacher here?

“I joined Clover Garden in January of this year. The Clover Garden family has welcomed me with open arms, and supported me like no other. I have met so many amazing colleagues, and gained some of the best friends through working here. I am so thankful and blessed to be a Grizzly!!”

Share on Facebook
 

Tags: , , ,