Teachers model more than personal style
By Hannah Jett Theus
Photography by Jave Bjorkman

I’m sure you remember a teacher who made a lasting impact on your life. A courageous caretaker who taught more than just a state-set standard. An engaging educator who showed you how to carry yourself when your parents or guardians weren’t there watching. A leader who symbolized patience and selflessness.
Let’s be honest, who else was going to cheer you on as you mastered the Pythagorean theorem?
In the age of the COVID-19 pandemic, plagued with the additional stress of safety precautions, virtual learning and the demands of their own personal lives, teachers have had a lot on their plates.
In true hero fasion, two in particular — Deion Taylor and Bridgett Lucas — have more than risen to the occassion by looking stylish in the classroom, at home and even on the court as they lead the next generation.
Now, perhaps more than ever, when the feeling of optimism has sometimes felt so far away, we must lean on the lessons our talented teachers have taught us — to show up and make a difference in someone else’s life today.

DEION TAYLOR
Deion Taylor, an eighth-grade history teacher and the head basketball coach at Mount de Sales Academy, is setting the tone for training our youth and being dapper while doing so.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Taylor graduated from the University of Richmond where he received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science while playing four years of collegiate basketball. He then taught high school in New Orleans for a few years, but the opportunity to teach, coach and make an impact on those around him called him to Macon.
“I want to be able to lead students in the right direction academically and also teach them what it takes to be a good human being,” Taylor said. “Plus, as a young African-American male, I like to be a representation to young men on how a man should carry himself in this day and age.”
Of course, the pandemic has brought a whole new set of challenges to teachers and students.
“Teachers and students are faced with many adversities throughout the school year, whether it is having to do virtual classes with students or being in the school building and making sure that everyone is being as safe as possible,” Taylor said. “Teaching virtually is a challenge in itself, especially for the younger students because of their learning styles. I believe they require more hands-on learning in order for lessons to be efficient and beneficial to them.”
As a competitor and educator of five years, Taylor knows what it takes to make sure those around him are prepared and able to overcome the challenges they are facing — whether on the court or in the classroom. And when it comes to style, Taylor knows how to leave a slam-dunk impression.
“Being a sports guy, I’ve always heard, ‘If you look good, you play good,’ which means that dressing well and looking nice gives you that boost of confidence you may need throughout your day,” he said. “I use that same ideology when I get dressed for my day and try to instill that same idea into my students, especially the young men that I teach.
“Teaching is not an easy job but it is fulfilling and rewarding knowing that we are able to make an impact in a child’s life and shape their education and character for the better. Helping them grow into the successful adults we hope to see them become one day is everything.”

BRIDGETT LUCAS
Bridgett Lucas is a life-long Macon resident and seventh-grade English teacher at Rutland Middle School who has always known she wanted to work in education. After earning her bachelor of arts in English from Middle Georgia State University, she served as a student teacher at Rutland Middle School while completing her master’s program in Teaching in Secondary Education.
Lucas, a newlywed, said she has always had a passion to inspire young adults to cultivate a love for literature. She believes teaching isn’t for the faint-hearted. It takes grit, patience and an incomparable desire to see your students succeed.
“Being a first-year teacher in a pandemic has certainly been a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences, but I am motivated every day to come into work and teach my students. Young adults need education, and it is a nonstop job. I am proud to be an educator and to help grow minds and hearts at the same time,” Lucas said.
When it comes to rocking the schoolhouse, Lucas knows how to make a statement worth commenting on. The budding Instagram influencer shares styling tips to her followers as she enjoys fashion and photography in her free time.
“Work wear and style go hand-in-hand. My advice is to have fun and be yourself. Do not be afraid of colors and patterns. My favorite way to add style to my work wear is by adding a printed blouse or printed shoe to the mix,” she said.
Follow more of her tips and tricks at @bridgett_lucas_ on Instagram.