Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Rosenberg.
Hi Taylor, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story start where I’m originally from Chicago, born and raised, and I still get asked all the time how I ended up in South Florida. It actually makes me laugh because the place I live now is where my nana lived my entire childhood, so in a way, it always felt familiar. It’s like my heart knew before my brain did that I would end up down here.
Growing up, so many of my favorite memories were family trips to Disney, so getting to now live in Florida and experience those same places in a completely different way feels really full circle. Being able to take part in runDisney events is incredibly meaningful to me, and even outside of that, trips up to Disney World with my husband or friends are some of my favorite and most important memories.
When I turned 22 and realized I was really stepping into adulthood, I made the decision to move to Florida to become an elementary teacher. I wanted to build my life somewhere new, but still familiar at the same time, and this felt like the perfect place to do that.
Even though I’ve built my life here with my husband, job, and friends, Chicago will always be a part of who I am. My family is there, and Chicago sports are still a huge part of my life, I’ll always be loyal to where I came from but I feel completely at home living in South Florida.
I’ve always been a bit of a go-getter. Growing up as the middle child of three girls in my family, I learned early on how to be independent and driven. One thing that never changed was knowing I wanted to be a teacher, that was always the plan.
Since moving to Florida, I’ve also built such a strong village here, and I feel incredibly lucky for the people I’ve met along the way. That support system has meant everything to me, especially as I’ve grown into new parts of my life.
Running, in particular, came into my life during COVID in a very real way. I was so antsy being home and out of my normal routine that I started walking every day, sometimes 5 to 7 miles at a time. One day, I remember thinking, “why not try running too?” and that small decision ended up changing so much for me. It became something I truly rely on, not just for physical health, but for my mental and emotional well-being.
Now, as I continue to teach elementary school, it’s incredibly full circle for me. I’ve always believed in showing up, even on the hard days, and that mindset has carried through every part of my life.
None of this would feel the same without the support system around me. My family, my husband, and the village I’ve built here have been there through every step, every goal, and every new chapter. I truly believe in order to have that strong village it is equally important to be the villager which is why showing up to celebrate others is in their goals, dreams and accomplishments is equally as important as them showing up for mine.
Nothing is more important to me than reminding my students, and myself. that even on the hardest days, the sun will rise and we get another chance to try to be our best selves each day.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’ve been very fortunate in many ways, and I never take that for granted, but it definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. I don’t believe true growth comes without some struggles to learn from along the way.
Moving to Florida at 22 was exciting, but it was also scary. It was the first time I was really on my own, away from my family, my comfort zone, and everything I had always known. Even during my college years, I was only 90 minutes away from my family. There were moments of doubt and a lot of learning how to navigate life independently, which isn’t always easy.
Also like many people, I’ve also had to work through anxiety at different points, especially during times of change or uncertainty which in adulthood seems to occur a lot. I’m often seen as the “happy” one, and for a long time I felt like I had to always be that person. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that it’s okay not to be okay all the time. Giving myself permission to slow down, feel what I’m feeling, and take time for myself instead of constantly pouring into others has made such a difference and that is not just in my personal life, but in how I show up as an educator.
It’s helped me become more patient, more understanding, and more aware that my students are going through their own challenges too. I’m able to create a space where they feel safe to be themselves, even on the hard days, because I’ve learned how important that is.
Over time, I’ve found what helps me manage that in a healthy way whether that’s running, getting lost in a good book, or spending time with the friends I’ve built a life with down here. This has also helped me with my students by being able to teach them how to navigate the stresses and pressures they deal with in a healthy way. Having that balance, along with growing confidence in my profession, has really helped shape how I handle challenges and continue to push myself forward.
I think one of the biggest challenges has been learning to be comfortable with growth like stepping into new chapters, building a life away from home, and trusting that I’m capable of handling what comes next. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth it.
If my 30-year-old self could look back at 22-year-old me, I think she would be really proud with not just of how far I’ve come, but of the life I’m continuing to build and where I know I’m going.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an elementary school teacher, and that’s always been at the core of what I do. I’ve worked with elementary students my entire career, and I truly love being part of those foundational years where so much growth and confidence is built.
I think what sets me apart is that I’ve always been fully myself in the classroom. I have tattoos, piercings, and a personality that might not fit the traditional image of a teacher, but that’s something I’ve never tried to hide. If anything, it’s helped me create a space where my students feel like they can be themselves too. One of my favorite things I often see is the confidence in my students grow within my classroom. Students who come reluctant to raise their hands or participate leave with the knowledge of knowing what they have to say matters and wanting to be apart of the classroom conversations.
My students know the real me and not just a personality I think they should know. They know I love Disney, coffee, being a Swiftie, and just being silly. I don’t try to hide the fun parts of who I am, and I think that helps build stronger connections with them.
I’m often a very relatable and safe space for my students, but at the same time, I hold them to high expectations because I care so deeply about their success. I always joke that I’m “so mean,” but it’s really the opposite, I just want the absolute best for them, and I push them because I know what they’re capable of.
More than anything, I’m proud of the relationships I build with my students. I want them to feel supported, understood, and confident in who they are. Being someone they can trust, learn from, and look up to is something I value deeply.
At the end of the day, I see myself not just as a teacher, but as a role model. My students show up and perform for me each day because they know I’m always going to do the same for them. That mutual trust is what makes everything we do in the classroom work.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of showing up, every single day, and treating each day as a new opportunity to learn and grow, not just as an educator, but as a person. I learn from my friends, family, colleagues, and students each and every day.
I’ve also learned that community matters more than anything. It’s easy to want a village, but it’s just as important to be one and to show up for others the same way you hope they show up for you. That mindset has shaped both my personal life and the way I approach my classroom.
And finally, I’ve learned to celebrate the everyday moments. Not everything has to be a huge milestone to matter. The small wins, the little moments of growth, and even just getting through a tough day are all worth recognizing.
Those lessons have grounded me and continue to guide how I live, teach, and show up for the people around me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tpotzzz
