Meet Mrs. Sarah Taylor

Hello! I am Mrs. Taylor. At Marshall Academy, I serve as Dean of Instruction, Head of the English Department, Upper School English Teacher, Home Economics Teacher, Dual-Enrollment English Instructor through Blue Mountain Christian University, ACT Improvement Coordinator, and Mock Trial Coach. I am a National Board Certified English teacher and a certified Home Economics instructor.

As Dean of Instruction, I work alongside our faculty and administration to support curriculum development, instructional excellence, academic planning, teacher support, assessment initiatives, and school improvement efforts. While I continue to teach a full course load, I am excited to help strengthen and grow the academic programs that make Marshall Academy such a special place.

My Education and Experience

I graduated with a B.A. in Communication from Mississippi State University (Go Dawgs!), followed by an M.A. in English in 2007.

My professional background has been diverse and incredibly rewarding. Before stepping into a traditional classroom, I worked as a public relations director for a Humane Society and the Cedarhill Animal Sanctuary. My first official teaching role was as a drug and alcohol instructor at the Marshall County Correctional Facility. Even after leaving that full-time position, I continued teaching Literature and Creative Writing to inmates on Tuesday nights, which remains one of the most meaningful experiences of my career.

Since leaving prison (as a teacher, of course!), I have spent the majority of my career teaching English at both the secondary and collegiate levels. I previously served as the lead English teacher at Marshall Academy before spending thirteen years at Blue Mountain High School, where I taught English I, II, IV, dual-enrollment Composition I, and Family and Consumer Science. While there, I also served as senior sponsor and coordinator of the honors program.

In addition to my work in public education and independent schools, I have taught college courses as an adjunct instructor for a variety of institutions, including Northeast Mississippi Community College, Northwest Mississippi Community College, Blue Mountain College, Holmes Community College, and the University of Phoenix.

Throughout my career, I have been passionate about helping students improve their college and career readiness. As Marshall Academy's ACT Improvement Coordinator, I oversee our ACT preparation initiatives, benchmark testing program, and data-driven academic improvement efforts designed to help students reach their fullest potential.

My Teaching Philosophy

I know that I have a reputation as a "tough" teacher when it comes to coursework, but it is a reputation I have proudly earned.

If I am demanding, it is only because I believe deeply in the potential of every student who walks through our doors. Students rise to the level of expectations placed before them, and I want our students to leave Marshall Academy prepared not only for college but for life.

Whether I am teaching English, Home Economics, ACT preparation, or coaching Mock Trial, my goal is always the same: to challenge students, support them, and help them become confident, capable young adults.

Above all, I want every student to know that I am always available to help. High expectations and strong support should always go hand in hand.

My Life Outside of School

While I am originally from Ripley, Mississippi, I have proudly called Holly Springs home for nearly two decades.

I am married to Jason Taylor, Marshall Academy's Head of School and a former coach and history teacher. Together we have two wonderful children: Annie and James Travis ("JT"). My identical twin sister, Dr. Elizabeth Smith, is a local veterinarian, and together our families raise six nephews (all Marshall Academy students) as one big, loud, loving crew.

Our home is also shared with two dogs: Woodrow, a chocolate Labrador who is exceptionally intelligent and only occasionally interested in following the rules, and Buck, a rescued St. Bernard mix who is, without question, the world's best boy.

I am an active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Holly Springs and enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, reading, hand embroidery, home renovation projects, community theater, and watching true-crime television whenever I can find a free evening.

Contact Me

If you ever need me, please contact me at Marshall Academy at 662-252-3449 or by email at [email protected].

Whether you are a current student, prospective family, parent, or community member, never hesitate to reach out. I will do my very best to answer promptly and help in any way I can.