Having taught at Cordell Schools for 17 years Darrin Taylor, also known as Coach Taylor, has shown why he was selected as this week’s Cordell Blue Devil Faculty Spotlight. Taylor plays an active role in the lives of many students in the classroom and on the field. When he’s not teaching ratios and angles, Coach Taylor is showing players how to properly execute a penalty kick and explaining the offside rule. We got a chance to ask Taylor a few questions about how the school year is going and what he likes to do with his spare time.
Can you tell us a little about yourself? Who are you, what do you do, how long have you been here?
My name is Darrin Taylor. I am a 1987 graduate of Cordell High School. Both of my children graduated from Cordell. My son, Skyler graduated in 2009 and my daughter, Kennedy graduated in 2015. My son in law, Dawson Corbin graduated from Cordell in 2018. I have two granddaughters, Raylee and Ryan. Raylee is in Mrs. Regier’s pre-k class this year.
I teach trigonometry, Algrebra 2 and math of finance. I also help all the kids that enroll in college algebra through the high school. I am the junior high and high school girls and boys soccer coach. My assistant is Buddy Holman. He has been a great addition to our program. This is my 20th year of teaching and my 17th year at Cordell.
We’re about three months into the school year, how has it been so far?
This school year has been good. I am enjoying all my classes. I have also had a good time helping the college algebra students.
Compared to this time last year, with having to deal with the midst of the pandemic, how has the start of this year been? Is it easier, about what you expected, harder?
This year has been much easier than trying to teach through the pandemic. Math is a subject that needs to be taught in person. Teaching math virtually is very difficult. Students need to be able to hear you and see you to understand the problems.
What are some things you are looking forward to for this school year?
I am looking forward to seeing all my students succeed. I am looking forward to the upcoming soccer season.
What was it that made you want to become a teacher?
I had a lot of good math teachers when I was in school and math came easy to me. I was able to help my fellow classmates with their math. It just seemed to be the perfect fit for me to teach math.
What subject do you teach and why that specific one?
I teach trigonometry, Algebra 2 and math of finance. Math is a subject that comes easy to me and I feel like I am able to explain it to students in a way that they can understand.
What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part of teaching is when a student has that moment that you can see it in their eyes that they finally get it. The light finally comes on and they grasp the concept. Especially when they come in and say that they can’t do something. My favorite part of coaching is to watch my players enjoy what they are doing and no matter the outcome, know that they gave it their all and learned from the experience. Win or lose, they have to learn to overcome obstacles.
What motivates you?
Seeing my students learn to enjoy math and succeed in math is what motivates me to be the best teacher I can be. Seeing my soccer kids enjoy the sport and learning to work together is what motivates me to be the best coach that I can be. I have really enjoyed seeing some of the students that I have taught go on to be doctors, engineers and teachers. It makes me feel like I may have had a small part in their success.
What have been some notable moments during your time teaching thus far?
I have been very proud of the fact that I have had several players make the All-Sate team. I have had a few players play soccer in college. It is a good feeling to see them succeed.
When you’re not teaching, how do you like to spend your spare time?
When I am not teaching, I like to spend time working at my farm. I enjoy going to play golf with my son. I also enjoy spending time with my kids and grandchildren.