WILLIAM PATRICK Taylor has only served as headmaster at Jackson Academy (JA) since June.

But in that short time, the educational leader has already worked to make students more competitive in the real world, and faculty and staff more involved in the school’s decision making.

Under Taylor, the school has begun studying technology and support systems to help students with learning differences. JA is also considering implementing a global education program.

“Our students aren’t just competing with other students from America,” he said. “They’re also competing with students from across the globe. Jackson Academy is looking at the broader scope of education that helps them understand different cultures and ways of learning.”

He said it’s important for students to respect and understand other cultures because it will make it easier for them to compete and coexist in an ever-increasing global economy.

As Taylor reflects on his first semester, he’s also pleased in his efforts to improve communication and allow faculty and staff members to become involved in planning.

Story Bridges, a pre-primer teacher at JA, said Taylor has brought a “fresh, bright” face to the school. “He really has come in with an open mind and he values everyone’s opinion.”

She said Taylor has a very hands-on approach. “He wants to know every aspect of the school,” and has spoken with Bridges to learn her opinion on pre-primer education, the Accents, JA’s drill team that Bridges sponsors, and can even be found in the carpool line in the afternoon.

DOING THOSE things were more impressive, knowing that Taylor, a former educator in Alabama, as well as his wife Sherrye, have had to simultaneously learn about Jackson, the school and its culture.

“It’s been a very busy first semester,” he said. “I’ve certainly enjoyed being at the school, and the people of Jackson have been very accepting.” Before coming to JA, Taylor, who holds a Ph.D., worked 34 years at St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Mobile, Ala.

After more than three decades at St. Paul’s, Taylor said he needed a change. “When you come to your last decade of teaching, you have to decide what’s going to energize you as a teacher,” he said. “For an old man, this experience (moving to JA) has really energized me.”

Jane Lee, a counselor at the school, said Taylor has returned the favor to the school. “He presented his goals for JA at our first combined staff meeting in the fall,” she said. “High on his agenda was the formation of several new committees such as (forming a) faculty council.”

Lee said the school has committees made up of teachers from each grade level. As a result of the committees, she said teachers now have a greater say in what goes on at the school.

Taylor was tapped in January 2007 to be the school’s next headmaster.

Dr. Becky Waterer, chair of JA’s board of trustees at the time of his appointment, said previously that the longtime educator was one of 37 candidates from 15 states and three foreign countries.

His responsibilities include overseeing the daily operations of the school and to focus on academic leadership. JA is the state’s largest private school with roughly 1,400 students. The school serves students ages three to 18.