“Mrs. Taylor was very involved not only in school, but also in the community that she taught in. She was my Spanish teacher for four years, as well as my Student Council and Leadership Advisor. Mrs. Taylor was always known as the teacher that loved each and every one of her students. She was not only available whenever a student needed her in school, but she would connect with students during her personal time, too. She would never hesitate to stay late after school if a student needed extra help with anything. She was a special teacher that was both dedicated and passionate about teaching Spanish. She loved watching her students grow in learning a new language. When I started out in Spanish One, I was so nervous that I could not understand or grasp the concepts. From day one in class, Mrs. Taylor made class enjoyable and created an environment that was easy to learn in. It was a “judgement free zone.” This allowed me, as well as other students, the comfort of being able to express ourselves and to participate without feeling embarrassed. It felt comfortable, even if you gave an incorrect answer. Aside from Spanish class, Mrs. Taylor showed the same dedication and hard work as a Student Council and Leadership Advisor. She spent many long days and nights away from her family, as we planned various events for school as well as in our community. Mrs. Taylor was always known as the “Mom” to many students because she always gave the same energy and love to her students as our parents gave to us. I was so fortunate to have Mrs. Taylor as my teacher, but more so as a mentor. She was someone that I looked up to and continue to admire. She has made such an impact on my life and has given me the opportunity to learn about and embrace a beautiful culture. I still continue to seek out information and learn about Mexico and other cultures. ”

“It is with great pleasure and ease that I write this letter of recommendation/review for Carolyn Taylor, for her tutoring profile.

I have had the pleasure of interfacing with Carolyn Taylor on several levels. All three of our daughters took Spanish from her while at Hinckley-Big Rock High School. Two of them took all four years; the other, for two. They all learned the language, achieving high grades. Because Carolyn made learning so much fun, all three participated in Spanish Club. One daughter just spent a semester in Barcelona and was better able to navigate her experience, due to knowing the language.

I also interfaced with Carolyn in her classroom in two ways — I was a substitute teacher at HBR and covered for her several times (not too many, as she had an excellent attendance record!) and I was also a paraprofessional sub, getting to sit-in while she was teaching. I loved subbing for Carolyn, as she was organized, thorough, and neat. Lesson plans were easy to follow and materials were plainly available. Her students respected her and behaved when she was away. Sitting-in as a “para-pro” allowed me to see her in action. I loved that she mainly spoke to/taught the students using the Spanish language, thus deepening learning. In addition, she had a wonderful rapport with her students. It was evident that she genuinely cared about them; it was mutual, they felt the same way about her!

Lastly, all three of our daughters were involved in many extra-curricular activities during their high school careers. Carolyn was an advisor/sponsor for so many of the clubs that our girls participated in, and/or were officers. All three of them LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Mrs. Taylor!! In all their years, I never heard one complaint! They adored her! She is a classy, bright, kind, caring woman, no matter her role — and that includes FRIEND, of which she is to so many! Anyone who uses her as a tutor is in for a double treat!”