DISTRICT NAMES EXPERIENCED EDUCATOR BETH TAYLOR AS NEW DIRECTOR OF TIER 3 ELEMENTARY THERAPEUTIC PROGRAM
Looking for an ideal fit in the important new position of Tier 3 Elementary Therapeutic Program Director, Aiken County Public Schools turned to one of its own. The District is pleased to announce experienced educator and special programs administrator Elizabeth “Beth” Taylor as the new program’s first director.
“I have worked with Beth for many years. In that time, she has always impressed me with her ability to comprehend the complex challenges we face in teaching and supporting students with disabilities,” commented Aiken County Superintendent King Laurence. “We have placed another complex challenge in front of her and I cannot think of anyone better suited to confront it and lead our elementary therapeutic program to success.”
Taylor’s appointment was approved Tuesday evening (March 24) during the regular meeting of the Aiken County Board of Education, held for the first time virtually due to the ongoing Coronavirus crisis.
“I am thrilled the board has granted me this incredible opportunity to work alongside our district stakeholders to create a program to meet the needs of our students who require Tier 3 behavioral supports,” stated Taylor.
Taylor has served in Aiken County Public Schools in a number of capacities, beginning as a Special Education teacher in 2002, continuing as Autism Program Coordinator in 2004 and culminating in her most recent position with the school district as Coordinator of Instructional Programming for the ACPSD Special Programs Department which she began in 2014.
Prior to her time in Aiken County, Taylor served as a first grade teacher with Laurens School District 55, and as a special education teacher with Anderson School District 3.
Taylor earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from Erskine College, followed by a Masters in Education Technology from the University of South Carolina Aiken. She became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2014, which is a graduate-level national certificate in behavior analysis. Taylor earned Institute for District Administrators (IDA) certification from the S.C. Department of Education in 2015, and earned a second Masters Degree in Education Administration in 2019. She also holds Tier 1 (Elementary Principal) certification.
The Aiken County Board of Education approved funding for the new program and the hiring of a director during its February 24, 2020, regular meeting.
“I look forward to working directly with elementary administrators, teachers, and other agencies to support both students and educators as we implement a program rooted in Social-Emotional Learning, evidence-based behavioral interventions, and strong home-school relationships,” she added.