Meet Taylor Duncan: 2025 ATPE Classroom Makeover Winner

From Blank Shell to Bright Future

As a teacher in a Title I district, Duncan is no stranger to the financial struggles that many educators face, especially in their first year. “Honestly, I don’t think teachers get the support they need,” Duncan says. “Winning this contest and the prize money has helped me more than I could ever put into words. In a Title I district, we don’t get a lot of funding, and I’ve spent thousands of my own dollars to make my classroom a place where my students can thrive. It’s such a relief to get this kind of recognition and support.”

Duncan’s classroom was a “blank shell” when she first arrived, with no storage or furnishings. “I had to start from scratch,” she says. “I had to buy shelves, book baskets, caddies—everything. I even needed a chair for my desk.” But thanks to the ATPE Classroom Makeover Contest, she was able to provide essential supplies for her room and students, creating a space that is both functional and welcoming.

Influence and Inspiration

Her journey to teaching was influenced by a few key figures. One of the most important was her high school geography teacher, Mr. Hockaday, who pushed her to do more than she thought possible. “He reached out to my mom and told her I needed to be in Pre-AP classes. That push changed my life. To this day, I keep in touch with him, and his support meant the world to me.”

She also credits her years as a paraprofessional and the encouragement from two close friends who were teachers. These friends pushed her to pursue a career in education later in life. Duncan’s path also led her to her current principal, Marcus Macklemore, M.Ed., whose persistence during a college job fair convinced her to join the Royal Junior High team. “When I met him, he told me I needed to come work for him. He was so genuine, and the school’s family atmosphere sold me right away. I resigned from my previous district and never looked back.”

Growth and Support

Entering the classroom for the first time was eye-opening for Duncan. She admits that no amount of coursework can fully prepare a teacher for the real-world classroom experience. “I thought there would be a lot of pushback from the students, but it’s been the complete opposite. These kids come to me with their problems, and I’m able to foster relationships with them. They’re like my other set of children. I care so much about them, and I try my best to help them grow not just academically but as individuals.”

Additionally, her connection with ATPE has been vital to her success as a first-year teacher. “The support from ATPE has been amazing. Last year, I made great connections with people from my local unit, and I always knew I could lean on them if I needed help. Knowing that ATPE had my back made me feel so much more comfortable going into my first year. The support is worth so much more than the money—it’s invaluable.”

Duncan’s classroom makeover is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her hard work, enabling her to create an even more positive and supportive learning space. By joining ATPE, she has gained valuable support that enhances her journey, providing her with the resources and connections needed to thrive as an educator. With her story far from over, it’s clear Duncan is exactly where she’s meant to be, making a lasting impact on her students’ lives.