Taylor Trost’s classroom at Grace Norton Rogers Elementary School was a hub of innovation and inclusivity, reflecting her commitment to ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education. Trost taught a fourth grade inclusion class that is grounded in project-based learning, songs and physical activity that keep her students engaged throughout the school day. Her approach paid off: Her students showed consistent achievement gains in reading and math as measured by state and district assessments.
One memorable lesson involved the creation of a faux campfire in her classroom, complete with a fan and orange paper, to inspire students to write and share their own “campfire story” as part of a lesson to develop students’ creative writing and public speaking skills. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she stepped up to help bridge the unexpected technology needs between the school and its families, working with the principal and the technology team to develop a remote-learning model, including virtual field trips, that was adopted by the school district.
Outside of the classroom, Trost was a leader in her own right, stepping into the lead teacher role at the school during her second year of teaching. She supervised student teachers, mentored new teachers, and regularly invited peers to observe her classroom. Her innovative teaching methods, positive leadership and creative approach to education have earned the respect and trust of students and colleagues alike.
It is no surprise that parents at Grace Norton Rogers Elementary regularly requested Trost for their rising fourth graders. One of her classroom’s goals for parents was to “maintain open, accessible and supportive lines of communication.” Key ways she has achieved this is by developing rubrics for parents to better understand their students’ grades and hosting weekly calls to parents to more closely involve them in their children’s education.
Currently Trost is the Assistant Principal, Director of Student Activities at Riverside Township High School.
Trost received a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and English literature from Rowan University in 2015 and master’s in educational leadership from Montclair State University in 2022. She holds New Jersey supervisor, principal, and school administrator certifications.
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