Michelle Taylor Starts 13th Year at Oakton High as Assistant Principal

Michelle Taylor went through W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax County as a self-proclaimed band nerd.

But to her, that's a compliment. Being an oboe player throughout her high school years under her mentor John Casagrande led her to where she is today.

"I knew I wanted to be a band director when I went to college," she said. "I knew my major would be in music education."

After graduating from James Madison University, Taylor started as a band teacher with Oakton High School. Twelve years later, she's one of the latest additions to the administrative staff. As assistant principal, Taylor oversees the social studies and art departments, a section of the alphabet for discipline, and the 11th grade — from fundraisers to prom to powder puff.

But this new role does not mean she has left her musical roots behind her. Upon entering her office, students see a guitar case in the corner.

"I'll always have music around me," she said. "I miss my band students and I miss my band parents. I think it would be more difficult if I was at a different school because I do still get to see the kids."

Taylor worked to get her master's degree in educational leadership from George Mason University through one of the cohort programs offered by the university. The two-year program held its classes at Oakton High, making it convenient for Taylor to finish her day as a teacher and get to class quickly.

"I've known since about my third year of teaching that I wanted to be an administrator," she said. "I didn't really know what it would mean in only my third year, but it was a goal."

And still after all the mental and educational preparation that goes into becoming an administrator, she was still unprepared for one aspect of her new role.

"I think the biggest surprise would be when you're a teacher you have your classes and it's a very set schedule every day," Taylor said. "... And with this job, the day happens to you. ... You just have to be able to roll with whatever happens."

With a month under her belt, Taylor is already in love with her job and she gives much of the credit to her administrative team.

"Everyone is so supportive and we're all in it together for the students," she said.

"I didn't know I'd like it this much, but there isn't a day that I've gone home and thought, Why did I do this?" Taylor continued. "It's a challenge and it's exhausting, but that's kind of what makes it fun."