Each week through our Faculty/Staff Spotlight series, we invite our community members to get to know Gulliver Prep teachers and staff members across every division. This week, our Faculty Spotlight features Ms. Ines Taylor, Primary School Faculty member. Read on to discover her favorite thing about Gulliver, the importance of being exposed to music at an early age, and more.
Q: How long have you been at Gulliver, and what is your favorite thing about our school?
A: I’ve been at Gulliver for 27 years. I’ve always loved the way Gulliver encourages students to find their talents; to explore and discover who they are meant to be.
Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: I think people would be surprised to know that I love to cross-stitch. It helps me to relax as I focus on the different patterns.
Q: Why do you think it’s important for children to be exposed to, and learn about, music at an early age?
A: When children are exposed to music at an early age, they develop rhythm and coordination directly linked to motor development. Learning songs and memorizing lyrics are an important part of brain development. Also, group singing strengthens social connectedness.
Q: What do you love most about teaching music to Primary School students?
A: I like the way a classroom’s energy changes once children start singing. Music makes kids happy.
Q: What are your goals for this school year?
A: This is an unusual school year. My goals for the kids are that they fall in love with music, that no matter what happens they can lift their spirits with a song, that they realize that music is everywhere…even in their heart.
Rapid fire!
Favorite meal: Spaghetti carbonara
Last book you read: A picture book, Mr. George Baker
A song you can listen to over and over again and not get tired of it: “Overjoyed” by Stevie Wonder
Your go-to snack: Wheat Thins with cream cheese
Favorite school event or time of year: Senior kindergarten graduation
