The Force of Good Teaching

A congratulations to Mr. Taylor for 20 consecutive years of teaching at Horizon and a look back on the impact his career has had

Autumn Sorrentino, Editor-in-Chief

If you have been in Horizon High School for longer than two hours, chances are you have heard at least inklings of the legend that is Mr. Taylor. Vibrant, passionate, open-minded, and kind-hearted, Mr. Taylor teaches AP Physics and CP Physics here at HHS, and is well-known for his approach to the subject.

Emily Axelson, junior, having taken CP Physics last year and now enrolled in AP Physics, says that what makes Mr. Taylor different is that “he trusts his students and he treats them as equals. He’s also really quirky and fun to be around… He teaches in a style that helps me learn really well.”

Students in both classes have stated their excitement about having such a positive and entertaining educational experience; on any given day, doing anything from shooting a crossbow, to launching a blowdart, to calculating the acceleration of the earth.

Mr. Warrick, new to HHS this year, has been sitting in on Mr. Taylor’s classes to learn a bit of the craft himself.

“In the short time in watching his class, it’s been super awesome seeing how he works. So many people can be intimidated by the prospect of a class such as AP Physics, or even just with the math level that’s involved- and throwing in all these scientific topics on top of it- but I think what has inspired me is him making it seem so approachable to a majority of students,” Axelson says.

However, it’s not just the class that makes Mr. Taylor such a pleasure to have.

Emily says that, “One day he saw that I was having a rough time, and he asked about it and just talked [to me]… He got to know me on a more personal level and was understanding. He was a friend, [and a] mentor,” referring to her personal life.

Mr. Taylor himself states that the best part of his job is the people he interacts with on a daily basis: his students.

“It’s definitely the kids. That’s the best. I know that students that come to CP and AP Physics are generally very motivated and nice people top to bottom. Just to hang out with you guys is what makes it the best part. The physics is fun too, but it’s mostly the kids.”

Overall, Mr. Warrick says it best when it comes to October’s Featured Staff of the Month.

“Part of the allure of him definitely is just his persona in the classroom, definitely how he carries himself… and the work he expects students. Also I think he does one of the best jobs in the building of kinda treating the students not quite as peers but definitely showing that their opinions and arguments matter. Allowing them to definitely still be themselves within the classroom. I think that’s what makes him so engaging and such a great teacher.”

So, best wishes to Mr. Taylor in his retirement, and a warm thank you from the Horizon community. Say hello in the hallway!