Issue link: https://trevordayschool.uberflip.com/i/1315612
Brandon Christopher Taylor '07 Educator, Social Change Leader 5 3 T R E V O R D AY S C H O O L n W I N T E R 2 0 1 9 – 2 0 2 0 As the Director of Curriculum and Instruction at DREAM Charter High School in New York City, Brandon supervises the academic deans and leads curriculum development. Rooted in his work is a belief in global awareness and education for social change. He points to his Trevor education as a foundation for his curriculum and school development at DREAM. Part of the A Better Chance (ABC) program, Brandon joined Trevor in 6th grade. He went on to Tufts University, and studied abroad in France at L'Université Sorbonne Nouvelle–Paris 3. He taught with Teach For America for three years, and worked with ABC locally and internationally. Brandon remembers that in his Trevor commencement speech, he expressed his goal to be an investment banker. After college, in fact, he became a Goldman Sachs Scholar, and spent a short time as part of that program. Ultimately, though, his deep passion for education drove him to take the path into teaching that he had been developing all along. Brandon experienced the power and possibilities of education at Trevor—where, he notes, students have a voice, express their feelings and concerns, and are encouraged to share their unique views. "We thought about the world and how we would change it." Further, he maintains that students are motivated and given "at bats" at leadership—even if that is not their nature—and create their own future. is is his inspiration in his work, and what he is motivated to inspire in his students. He also points to the Trevor experience of parents engaging in their children's education as a model that he employs at DREAM. We asked Brandon about a fond memory—he immediately recalled a test in 9th grade in which Dr. Rosenblatt crafted an item on the exam about him as the subject in an engaging scenario. He recalled his feeling of being "a part of things and standing out." He also noted that the absence of grades during important developmental years provided the ability to grow. Brandon was active in Choreolab and MIOW, and was captain of the track team. Model UN was transformational for him; it developed his interest in global issues and the knowledge that working together with concerted effort can produce change. In what ways is he living the Trevor mission? Brandon shares that it is surely his global perspective. "If not for Trevor, I would have been insular." His interest in travel was stirred—he went to South Africa in 10th grade, and was able to participate in other international experiences. He studied French and loved it, which led to his study abroad in France during college. His participation in Model UN led to his bringing this program to DREAM. Most recently, Brandon was selected to join the 2019–20 Wave 6 cohort of Tiny Fellows through 4.0 Schools. He receives pilot funding and coaching from the founders to help him launch his project, which he describes as "a political simulation for high school students who act as modern or historic leaders working to solve today's problems." At Trevor, he says, "I developed my own unique potential." Opposite page: Brandon's friend and classmate Elle Pérez '07 took this portrait; Left: Brandon at a bus stop, showing this photograph as part of Elle's citywide series of photography exhibits. Brandon posted it on Facebook. Right: e Model UN Club; Brandon is in the first row, third from the right.