Meet Dr. Al Taylor | Interim Superintendent, Gwinnett County Public Schools

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Al Taylor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Al, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
Parents, naturally, want their children to have all of the opportunities that they may not have had growing up. As a child, I learned early and heard frequently that nothing would be possible without a good education. My hope for my children is that they see how education has opened so many doors for me, and that they will use my example to guide and inspire them to view education as an asset to their futures as well. I think my position within the school district applies some additional pressure to them, but I also know that they are silently observing and emulating some of my moves.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I never imagined that my professional story and journey would land me where I am today. I knew I wanted to be a teacher in 3rd grade after having my first male teacher, Mr. Koening. In fact, after spending a year in his class, I not only knew that I wanted to be a teacher, I also knew that I wanted to be a teacher just like him! As the years progressed, I had many mentors and family members encouraging me to explore a career in technology/computing. I would not say they were trying to dissuade me from a career in education. They were coming for a good place. They were simply trying to persuade me to pursue the promise of a more lucrative career in technology not understanding that money often follows when pursuing your passion. Once I learned during the second semester of my freshman year in college that computer science was not for me, I shifted back to my passion and never looked back. That was the most important lesson I learned in my life. You have to find work that motivates and inspires you. When the hard days happen, others may be able to encourage and support you, but at the end of the day, it is ultimately up to you. I am entering my 24th year in education, all in Gwinnett County Public Schools. I began as a teacher and coach but have served as a high school assistant principal, a middle and high school principal, an assistant superintendent, an associate superintendent, chief of schools, and currently serve as the interim superintendent. I look back over my career with pride knowing that all I have been able to accomplish came as a direct of result of staying grounded in my passion.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been so appreciative to so many people in my personal and professional life who have poured into me and nurtured my growth. While all equally deserving of an individual shout out, there are far too many to name and unintentionally omitting a name would be disheartening and diminishing to their impact on me. I’ve learned that there is no real way to “pay back” that type of impact so we are charged with “paying it forward.” The “pay it forward” begins with my two children, Jeniah and Elon. They inspire me to be the best version of myself every day for the 180,000+ students we serve in Gwinnett County Public Schools!

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-al-taylor-02168b321?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F