Rooted in Purpose: How Lakesha Taylor is Shaping Students, Families, and the Future of Texarkana

by: Michelle Horton

From classroom teacher to district leader, Lakesha Taylor is building a culture where every student is seen, supported, and prepared for life beyond the classroom. Her story is one that resonates far beyond the walls of a school building. It is a story of calling, consistency, and care—woven together through years of service to students and families who call this place home.

Taylor, who serves as both the Principal of Texas Middle School and the Executive Director of Student & Family Services, does not separate her roles so much as blend them. To her, both positions share the same heartbeat: people.

Taylor, a native of Texarkana, is rooted in the same soil she now serves. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 2004 and a Master of Science degree in 2009 from Texas A&M University-Texarkana. From those early academic years to now, her path has been marked by steady growth and an expanding sense of purpose.

Her journey through education has been anything but accidental. She began her career as a classroom teacher and was later named Dean of Students at Texas Middle School in 2011. That same year, she added another credential to her name, earning her Principal Certification from Texas A&M University-Texarkana. One year later, she stepped into campus leadership as an assistant principal.

From 2015 to 2022, Taylor served as principal at Paul Laurence Dunbar Early Literacy Center, a role that helped shape her leadership style and deepen her commitment to early education. Taylor then earned her Superintendent Certification from Texas A&M University-Texarkana in 2021, further equipping her to lead at a district level. Today, she carries the responsibility of both campus leadership and district-wide family support—roles she embraces fully.

However, long before the titles, the certifications, and the responsibilities, there was a little girl in Texarkana watching her mother. “My education journey really began with my mother, who was a teacher at Pleasant Grove Middle School,” Taylor said. “Growing up, I did not just see her as a teacher; I saw the impact she had on people.”

Those early memories left a lasting impression. “I can still remember being out in stores with her and former students running up, excited to see her, saying, ‘Mrs. Haynes, do you remember me?’ They would talk about how much they missed her class, and you could feel the connection and love they had for her,” she says. For Taylor, those moments revealed something deeper about the profession. “Watching those moments showed me that teaching was not just a job, it was a calling that stayed with students long after they left the classroom.”

When Taylor became a teacher herself, she experienced that same sense of purpose. “Building relationships with my students and seeing their growth made the work so meaningful,” she says. Still, even in those early years, she sensed there was more ahead. “Over time, I started to feel a pull to do more. I wanted to reach beyond the walls of my own classroom to impact more students, support more families, and help create an environment where all students could be successful.”

That desire—to expand her reach without losing her heart for the classroom—ultimately led her into leadership.

“Becoming a principal, and later an Executive Director, was not about leaving the classroom; it was about expanding my reach,” Taylor says. In many ways, that philosophy still defines how she leads today. “I wanted to support teachers in the same way I once needed support, and to help strengthen instruction so that every student is prepared not just academically, but for life.”

Even now, as her responsibilities span across campuses and community partnerships, Taylor says her purpose has not changed. “Everything I do is still grounded in those early memories of my mom and the relationships she built. That is what continues to drive me, knowing that the work we do every day has a lasting impact far beyond the classroom,” she explains.

While many in the community know Taylor as the principal of Texas Middle School, her work as Executive Director of Student & Family Services quietly extends her impact even further. “The primary responsibilities of the Executive Director of Student & Family Services are to support students and families and ensure that their needs are met fairly and equitably,” she explains.

In a role that often operates behind the scenes, Taylor’s department becomes a point of connection, clarity, and care for families navigating challenges. “If there is a concern, my department serves as a neutral place to review the situation, provide clarity, and offer solutions,” Taylor says. “We also support campus mentor programs, guiding and assisting the adults who invest in students’ growth. Additionally, we provide direction and support to our Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) at each campus, helping them make a meaningful impact.”

Taylor also states how community partnerships play a vital role in supporting students and families. It is not just about extra resources—it is about opportunity. “They provide mentorship opportunities for students, helping them build guidance, confidence, and real-world skills,” Taylor says.

For families facing real-life challenges, those partnerships can be life changing. “For families facing challenges with basic needs, community partners offer essential resources and support that help create stability at home,” she says.

When everything works together—schools, families, and the community—the results speak for themselves.

At Texas Middle School, Taylor’s leadership is felt in the hallways, classrooms, and conversations that happen every day. “As principal, I shape the culture and environment at Texas Middle School by being intentional about relationships, expectations, and consistency. I believe culture starts with people, so I focus on building strong, positive relationships with students and staff,” Taylor says.

Those relationships are the foundation, and from there, expectations take shape. “We set clear expectations for behavior and academic effort, and we reinforce those expectations consistently while also celebrating growth and achievements,” she states.

For Taylor, success is not measured solely by test scores. “Academic achievement matters, but it is only half the story,” Taylor says. “True student success goes beyond test scores and grades; it is about growth, confidence, and character. It is seeing students develop resilience, take ownership of their learning, and persevere through challenges.”

Ask Taylor about defining moments in her career, and she does not point to awards or titles. Instead, she talks about something she calls “God winks.” Taylor explains, “There have been several moments in my career that I think of as ‘God winks,’ small, powerful reminders that I am exactly where I am meant to be. These moments, whether it is a student’s breakthrough, a staff member’s growth, or a community connection, remind me that I was placed here for a purpose and that my work is making a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families.”

Over the years, Taylor has seen change—both in herself and in the people around her. “I am most proud of the growth I have seen in both our students and staff. Watching students embrace challenges, take ownership of their learning, and develop confidence has been incredibly rewarding. At the same time, I have seen our staff pour themselves into their work, support one another, and continually strive to be better for our students,” Taylor says. That shared commitment creates something special.

Even the most dedicated leaders face difficult days. For Taylor, those days are met with a combination of faith and perspective. “On the toughest days, what keeps me going is my faith and seeing the heart of our students and staff,” Taylor says. “Prayer gives me strength, perspective, and peace when things feel overwhelming.”

However, it is the people around her who keep her moving forward. “It is the little moments with students, watching them persevere, seeing their smiles when they achieve something new, and the unwavering dedication of our staff that truly fuel me,” she adds.

Taylor is quick to acknowledge those who have helped guide her along the way. “A major influence in my leadership journey has been my mother. Her care and commitment to others have shaped how I view service and leadership. She was one of the most selfless people I know, always sacrificing for her family and her students,” Taylor says.

She also points to mentors who helped refine her leadership approach. “I have also been guided by Mr. George Moore, whose mentorship on leadership and building relationships has been foundational. He constantly reminds me to lead with fairness and consistency. Lastly, Donna McDaniel has greatly influenced my approach; she taught me that in every decision, if you put what is best for students at the forefront, you cannot go wrong.” Together, those influences form the foundation of how Taylor leads today.

When asked what she would say to the students and families she serves, Taylor does not hesitate. “To all of our students, I want you to know that you are the future, and your future starts now. Every choice you make, every challenge you face, and every opportunity you embrace is shaping the path ahead,” she says. “Believe in yourself, stay committed to your goals, and know that I am here to support you.”

In a community like Texarkana, where schools are more than buildings and educators are more than employees, leaders like Lakesha Taylor stand out—not because they seek recognition, but because they consistently show up.

She shows up for students learning to believe in themselves.

She shows up for families navigating challenges.

She shows up for teachers pouring into the next generation.

Through it all, she remains what she has always been at heart: a servant leader who aspires to equip and empower our future generation with the tools to become innovative citizens in an evolving world. It is a mission that started long ago, watching her mother connect with students in grocery store aisles. And it is a mission that continues today, in classrooms, offices, and conversations across Texarkana.

Because for Lakesha Taylor, education is not just a career. It is a calling that never really leaves.