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Tayloe to head N.C. lower school
Jan 11, 2006 9:13 AM
By Tannika King - Faculty
After more than 20 years of service to Darlington, Lower School Principal Mark Tayloe announced in November that he will leave at the end of the current school year to become head of the Lower School at Charlotte Latin School in his home state of North Carolina.
“I admire and respect Mark’s decision after 22 years of incredible and heartfelt service to Darlington. I only wish I could have worked longer with him, for he was one of the people who attracted me to this community,” said Headmaster Tom Whitworth.
A native of Washington, N.C., Tayloe began is career at Darlington in January of 1984 as an English teacher, student newspaper adviser and tennis coach. He went on to serve many roles at the School.
“I gradually grew into my different administrative roles at Darlington, first becoming a dormitory head, then director of public relations and director of personal counseling,” said Tayloe. “I knew that if I was going to stay in education I wanted to have a leadership role, and I think the transition was pretty natural.”
In 1999, he assumed his current position at the Lower School, and during his six years there, the School has seen a tremendous upgrade in technology and a complete overhaul of its curriculum.
“During his tenure, Mark has led with energy, integrity and a style that’s all his own. His commitment to excellence and the role of brain-based learning in the lives of his students and faculty set Mark apart,” said Whitworth. “He has created a learning environment where faculty members work together as a team and children learn with passion and respect. His warm and sincere praise of his faculty, staff and students is a trademark of Mark’s leadership. His accessibility to all and his open-minded approach to new ideas have set the tone for a new leader in the Lower School.”
Tayloe credits Darlington with turning him into a principal, and is hoping to take the same innovative practices he introduced at Darlington to his new school. Charlotte Latin, an independent college prep school, serves students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, and is similar to Darlington, although its Lower School serves 560 students compared to Darlington Lower’s 250.
“I desire to lead a school in which, first of all, both students and teachers have fun in a vibrant learning environment. I think it is important for the teachers and me to work together always with the objective of doing what is in the best interest of the students,” said Tayloe. “In a school, we want our students to develop a love of learning, and I think it is important for teachers and administrators to model that love of learning by desiring to grow professionally, keep up with the latest trends in education, and be open and willing to change.
“I am someone who loves change, so just going somewhere new is exciting,” he continued, “but I will miss the people here – students, parents and faculty members. In 22 years you develop a lot of close friendships and working relationships. My first impression of Darlington when arrived in 1984 was that it was the friendliest place I had ever been, and my impression never changed. I love Darlington and will always love Darlington.”
Headmaster Arch McIntosh said he is pleased to welcome Tayloe to Charlotte Latin. “Mark Tayloe is an educator with exceptional talent and interpersonal skills who has much to offer our school,” he said. “Above all else, he is a man of integrity who has earned the trust and respect of those he has served throughout his distinguished career.”
Tayloe, his wife Kim, and their children Marcus, 9, Julia, 5, and Lane, 4, will relocate to North Carolina at the end of the 2005-06 school year.
A search is currently underway for Tayloe’s replacement, who will take over Lower School principal duties July 1. A search committee including Darlington teachers and parents has narrowed applicants down to six candidates. The School hopes to announce the new Lower School principal by mid-February.
“I admire and respect Mark’s decision after 22 years of incredible and heartfelt service to Darlington. I only wish I could have worked longer with him, for he was one of the people who attracted me to this community,” said Headmaster Tom Whitworth.
A native of Washington, N.C., Tayloe began is career at Darlington in January of 1984 as an English teacher, student newspaper adviser and tennis coach. He went on to serve many roles at the School.
“I gradually grew into my different administrative roles at Darlington, first becoming a dormitory head, then director of public relations and director of personal counseling,” said Tayloe. “I knew that if I was going to stay in education I wanted to have a leadership role, and I think the transition was pretty natural.”
In 1999, he assumed his current position at the Lower School, and during his six years there, the School has seen a tremendous upgrade in technology and a complete overhaul of its curriculum.
“During his tenure, Mark has led with energy, integrity and a style that’s all his own. His commitment to excellence and the role of brain-based learning in the lives of his students and faculty set Mark apart,” said Whitworth. “He has created a learning environment where faculty members work together as a team and children learn with passion and respect. His warm and sincere praise of his faculty, staff and students is a trademark of Mark’s leadership. His accessibility to all and his open-minded approach to new ideas have set the tone for a new leader in the Lower School.”
Tayloe credits Darlington with turning him into a principal, and is hoping to take the same innovative practices he introduced at Darlington to his new school. Charlotte Latin, an independent college prep school, serves students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, and is similar to Darlington, although its Lower School serves 560 students compared to Darlington Lower’s 250.
“I desire to lead a school in which, first of all, both students and teachers have fun in a vibrant learning environment. I think it is important for the teachers and me to work together always with the objective of doing what is in the best interest of the students,” said Tayloe. “In a school, we want our students to develop a love of learning, and I think it is important for teachers and administrators to model that love of learning by desiring to grow professionally, keep up with the latest trends in education, and be open and willing to change.
“I am someone who loves change, so just going somewhere new is exciting,” he continued, “but I will miss the people here – students, parents and faculty members. In 22 years you develop a lot of close friendships and working relationships. My first impression of Darlington when arrived in 1984 was that it was the friendliest place I had ever been, and my impression never changed. I love Darlington and will always love Darlington.”
Headmaster Arch McIntosh said he is pleased to welcome Tayloe to Charlotte Latin. “Mark Tayloe is an educator with exceptional talent and interpersonal skills who has much to offer our school,” he said. “Above all else, he is a man of integrity who has earned the trust and respect of those he has served throughout his distinguished career.”
Tayloe, his wife Kim, and their children Marcus, 9, Julia, 5, and Lane, 4, will relocate to North Carolina at the end of the 2005-06 school year.
A search is currently underway for Tayloe’s replacement, who will take over Lower School principal duties July 1. A search committee including Darlington teachers and parents has narrowed applicants down to six candidates. The School hopes to announce the new Lower School principal by mid-February.
