TM
Taylor Mali
43quotes
Taylor Mali
Full Name and Common Aliases
Taylor Mali is a poet, educator, and advocate known for his impassioned performances about the teaching profession.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on August 17, 1965, in Omaha, Nebraska. As of my knowledge cutoff, he is still alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American poet and educator.
Early Life and Background
Taylor Mali's passion for poetry began at an early age. Growing up in a family that valued education, Mali was encouraged to explore his creative side through writing and performance. After completing his studies at the University of Iowa, he went on to teach high school English for several years before transitioning to full-time teaching.
Major Accomplishments
Mali's breakout moment came when he won the National Poetry Slam in 2001 with his poem "What Teachers Make." This winning performance catapulted him onto the national stage and cemented his reputation as a powerful voice on education. His subsequent performances, including "The Dark Side of the Light Chasers" and "Gee," have solidified his position as one of the leading voices in poetry about teaching.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his award-winning performances, Mali has published several books of poetry, including "What Teachers Make: In Praise of the Beautiful People Who Inspire Us", which draws on his experiences as a teacher. His words have resonated with educators and non-educators alike, sparking important conversations about the value and challenges faced by teachers.
Impact and Legacy
Taylor Mali's impact extends far beyond his poetry performances. He has become an advocate for education reform, using his platform to highlight the importance of effective teaching and the need for greater support for educators. His commitment to elevating the status of teaching has inspired a new generation of educators and fueled conversations about teacher appreciation.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Taylor Mali is widely quoted and remembered for his powerful advocacy on behalf of teachers, as well as his captivating performances that convey the beauty and importance of education. His words have become synonymous with the passion and dedication required to teach effectively.
Quotes by Taylor Mali
Taylor Mali's insights on:
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Teachers have their sights set on the real goal: not to produce Ivy League graduates, but to encourage the development of naturally curious, confident, flexible, and happy learners who are ready for whatever the future has in store.
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A mother or father might be too preoccupied with how one child compares with another to be able to fully appreciate the uniqueness of the individual child.
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Certainly teachers themselves can do a better job of letting the world know how hard their profession is, but frankly, they have real work to do and a lot of it, so they don’t have a whole lot of free time on their hands.
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How can you study geometry and not believe in a god? A god of perfect points and planes, surrounded by angels and angles of all different degrees...
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Because once upon a time, we grew up on stories and the voices in which they were told. We need words to hold us and the world to behold us for us to truly know our own souls.
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Simply put, the best teachers are the ones you work your tail off for because in the end you just don’t want them to think any less of you. You want and need their approval.
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Teachers shouldn’t make the mistake of always thinking they’re the smartest person in the room.
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That’s what teaching is, the art of explanation: presenting the right information in the right order in a memorable way.
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