Michelle Taylor, MSEd

As a lifelong learner, writer and educator, I am always on a deep dive into the meaning, expression, and the acquisition of knowledge and language, and how to make it accessible and exciting for all students. 

I hold a Masters of Science in Education and am a Washington State Certified Teacher. I founded Taproot School, a place that celebrates neurodivergence, in 2012. While working with struggling students, I have witnessed science based, one-on-one intervention create new neural pathways in the brain and change students’ lives. 

My practice is trauma informed and based on Growth Mindset. I specialize in working with Autistic, twice-exceptional students, as well as adopted and LGBTQIA students and families. My main priority is creating a safe space for students to feel at home, learn at their own pace, and be exactly who they are by bringing their interests into our learning. 

When requested, I can include my family therapy dog to support students’ learning. My practice is in the heart of Des Moines, WA, a small town nestled between Normandy Park and Kent. I am also available for online sessions. 

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Curriculum Vitae

Education

  • MSEd, Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY, 2003
    • Concentrations:  Child Development/Education
    • Certification:  Washington State Teacher Certification K-6   
    • Thesis:  “We Make the Road By Walking: Experience and Education”          
    • Adviser:  Mary Hebron M.S., New York University
  • BA, The Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA, 1995                    
    • Concentrations: Education/English
    • FinalProject:  “From Seed to Bloom” Chapbook

Experience

  • Certified Dyslexia & Dysgraphia Interventionist, 2019-Present
  • Educational Therapist & School Liaison, 2005-Present    
    • Private Clients, Seattle Public & Private Schools, Seattle, WA
  • Founder/Head of School, Grades K-6, 2013-Present    
    • Taproot School, Seattle, WA
  • Program Creator/Teacher, Grades Pre K-2, 2004-2013     
    • The Community School of West Seattle, Seattle, WA
  • Instructor, Right to Write Program, Youth, 2002-2003 
    •  Westchester Department of Corrections, Valhalla, NY
  • Assistant Instructor, Women’s Health & Education, 2001-2002  
    • Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY   
  • Lab School Teacher, 2001-2002                  
    • Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY   
  • Co-Teacher, Grades K-1 & 6-8, 2001-2003          
    • Ella Baker School, New York, NY     
  • Teacher, Grades K-5 & 6-8, 1999-2001      
    • Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research School, Seattle, WA

Publications/Presentations

  • “Taproot School” taprootschool.org, Current
  • “I’ll Go With You”: Vowing to Support My Transgender Son www.parentmap.com/article/vowing-to-support-my-transgender-son 2016
  • “The Living Classroom” (www.thelivingclassroom.wordpress.com) Journal, 2005-2013                                                                                  
  • “Emergent Curriculum & Project Approach” Parent Education Presentation, 2011               
  • “Positive Discipline & Positive Discipline for Children with Special Needs,” 2010-2012                 
  • “Building a K-2 Program” Natural Learning Magazine, Olympia Free School Press, 2006
  • “We Make the Road By Walking ” Thesis, Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY, 2003

Professional Development     

  • “Wired  For Reading,” Laura Woodruff Rogan, 2020, Seattle, WA
  • “Gender Odyssey Conference,” 2018, Seattle, WA
  • “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together  in the Cafeteria and Other Conversations About Race,” Dr. Beverly Tatum, 2017, Seattle WA
  • “Seattle Race Conference,” Seattle University, 2015, Seattle, WA
  • “Talking with Children About Race,” Cultures Connecting, Caprice D. Hollins, Isla Govan, 2015, Seattle, WA
  • “Handwriting Without Tears,”  2013, Seattle, WA
  • “Helping Teachers Implement the Project Approach,” Dr. Sylvia Chard, 2011, Seattle, WA
  • “Positive Discipline” Training, Dr. Jody McVittie, 2009, Seattle University, Seattle, WA
  • “NAEYC Annual Conference and Expo,” 2007, Bellevue, WA
  • “What If Today Was Their Only Day,” Lisa Murphy, 2007, Bellevue, WA
  • “The Hundred Languages of Children, Italian Innovations in Early Childhood Education:  A Tale of Two Cities,” 2005, Seattle, WA
  • “Positive Discipline for Children with Special Needs”, Arlene Raphael & Steven Foster, parent and educator training, 2010, Portland, OR
  • “Sarah Lawrence College Lecture,” Michael Moore, 2003, Bronxville, NY
  • “The Five Stages of a Lifespan,” Patricia Carini, 2003, Prospect Center, Bennington, VT
  • “Exclusions & Awakenings,” Maxine Greene, 2002, Columbia University, New York, NY
  • “Marx Lecture,” Horace Mann Auditorium, Jonathan Kozol, 2002, Columbia University, New York, NY
  • “Children’s Literature and Teaching a Child to Read,” 2002, Sarah Roosevelt Wilford, Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY
  • “Descriptive Review of a Child,” Patricia Carini, 2001, Prospect Center, Bennington, VT