T. Dewitt Taylor Middle-High School

This school has been such a breathe of fresh air-literally and professionally. I started second semester of this year as a 5th grade teacher and immediately felt at home. The administration, teachers, guidance counselor, and support staff are all children focused. The principal, Ms. Hutcherson, and the vice principal, Ms. Dean, are always available with an "open door". They are cheerful, affirming, and willing to help. They both love kids, respect the families, and appreciate the work of their teachers and staff. The academic coaches bend over backwards to help the teachers and students improve the academic and learning experiences here. There is a culture of collaboration among all the grade level teams, but my fifth grade team has been especially wonderful. They have spent a lot of extra time helping the substitutes and myself through the process of transition. I have come to see that it is part of the school culture at Pierson to look at children as individuals and to help each other as professionals. Almost everyone on campus has welcomed me and asked me at least once how everything is going, or offered to help. Many have spent hours of their own personal time to help me learn the systems of communication in the county. I have never seen a school with so many hard working and dedicated professionals. The students and families are also fantastic. The class I was given is full of students who are creative, dedicated to learning, engaged, respectful, and so much fun to teach. I have been amazed by all love and support their families give. There is definitely a community spirit here and it's been a wonderful place to start my professional career in Volusia County. Thank you, Pierson!