Now in the final year of her 5-year BA/MSEd, Taylor Luxoro is right where she wants to be – in the classroom. Taylor landed a full-time teacher resident job in Bronxville School, where she teaches alongside a second-grade teacher and substitute teaches as necessary.
“At Concordia, teacher education students are in the classroom right from the start. I did immersive fieldwork in Mount Vernon, and my student teaching in Eastchester. All that experience helped me feel very confident, and I was more than ready for this amazing opportunity. The education students at Concordia are all close. The classes are small with open conversation, and the faculty are so understanding and supportive. They check in on you and are always available.”
Associate Professor of Education Dr. Deborah Carter returns Taylor’s sentiment. “The students who choose to go to Concordia to learn to be teachers are amazing individuals,” she said. “They have a heart to serve and lead in the classroom. Taylor is a student who exemplifies this. Her passion to learn is impressive and her love for students is incredible. Her ability to craft education for the success of all students is inspiring.”
Taylor is busy. In addition to working as a live-in nanny for a family in Bronxville, she also plays forward for Concordia’s soccer team, and last year was named to the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Women's Soccer All-Academic Team. She ended her fourth year on the Dean’s List with a 3.9 GPA.
“I was recruited by a Florida school as well, but I wanted to make sure my mom could come to my games,” said the native Staten Islander, whose mother shares Taylor’s passion for teaching and is the director of a Lutheran Preschool. “On my first visit I fell in love with Concordia’s campus and Bronxville. I’ve made friends from all over the US and the world here. It’s like a family. Everyone knows everyone else. Even President Nunes will greet students by name and come over to watch our games. I honestly didn’t know how I would make it in college, but the support system here is amazing. I would tell any prospective student that if you want to be the best version of yourself, Concordia is the place to be.”