Mary Ward Taylor, aka  ’The Schoolmarm‘, graduated from Arkansas State University and attended graduate school at the University of Central Arkansas.  She earned her Master’s Degree in Learning Handicapped from Pepperdine University in Los Angeles.

Mary spent her career working with children with multiple challenges.  From her home state of Arkansas, to Kaiserslautern, Germany, where she taught American children for the Dept. of Defense, she proved to be a committed advocate for children with special needs.  

Her work with special kids continued in Los Angeles. For the last twenty-three years of her career she was the Resource Specialist Teacher at Paseo del Rey Magnet School in Playa del Rey, CA.   She received commendations and recognition for her innovative teaching in Germany, Arkansas and California.  Mary was chosen as a teacher for one of eight Diagnostic Learning Centers in Los Angeles, and was chosen ‘Outstanding Teacher of the Year’ by the Westchester Chamber of Commerce for her work at Paseo del Rey.

As well as being a dedicated teacher, Mary was known for her artistic and musical contributions to her school.  She painted murals for the science lab and pictures for the Wonder of Reading Library.  Children and teachers enjoyed her special visits with a story, guitar, paintbrush or paper for Origami.

Mary Taylor’s philosophical view is that each person has something vital to contribute to the world.  To that end she promotes positive self-image, self-esteem, and acceptance of all people.  She is also deeply motivated to inspire and assist parents and teachers to bring out the best in their children, and to find practical solutions to the problems they face.

Mary and Bill Taylor have one son, Timothy Taylor, who is a Bilingual School Psychologist for LAUSD.

For more writings by Mary Taylor, go to www.theschoolmarm.com