Crow lauded as a ‘duckling’ who ‘makes a difference’
After years of showcasing teachers and students receiving grants and awards, Tim Crow didn’t expect to be in the spotlight himself at the Nov. 18 Taylor Independent School District board meeting.
Crow is the district’s communications and community liaison and is also known for his encyclopedic knowledge of Taylor ISD history.
The district spokesman is the newest recipient of Superintendent Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen’s Coin of Excellence award. Before naming Crow, she teased out a few hints to trustees.
“One way to recognize this person is by his voice, which commands, and it’s not just because of the strength of his tone, it’s the weight of 40 years of experience, the stories, the challenges, the celebrations and the countless unforgettable moments that have shaped our district,” Garcia-Edwardsen said.
When she began listing the recipient’s experience within the school district — from graduating Taylor High School in 1980 to working for Taylor ISD in 1985 in various roles, such as teacher and principal, to his current position — Crow realized the attention was now on him.
“It’s a great honor and just made me, you know, feel very humble and honored to be chosen for this,” Crow said.
More praise came from board member Marylin Tennil, who spoke about Crow’s accomplishments as her former student. She also gave a nod to his expansive chronicling of the achievements of the Ducks, Taylor ISD’s mascot.
“As one of those ‘Mama Ducks,’ I’m here to say how proud I am to give this Coin of Excellence to one of my ducklings,” Tennil said. “As far as I’m concerned, he earned his stars by taking care of all (his students) by being such a male influence at such an important time in their lives, and so needed, such a crucial thing.”
The surprises didn’t end there.
When Crow went to receive the award from Garcia-Edwardsen, his mother, sister and brother-in-law made an appearance to celebrate the moment.
Crow’s history with Taylor ISD doesn’t end with his own experiences. His mother, father and sister were all former educators in the school district.
“To see that family connection really meant a lot. It was special,” Crow said.
Crow stepped up to his current position in 2014, a new role created by Superintendent Jerry Vaughn to showcase the school district’s programs and successes in the community.
To fulfill the role, Crow equipped himself with a new camera and started taking photos, launching the district’s social-media accounts and creating a video series about Taylor legends called “Taking Flight.”
The series has documented the stories of former coach and Superintendent T.H. Johnson, TV and radio pioneer Carolyn Jackson and “Mama Duck” Naomi Pasemann, whose namesake elementary school is where Crow served as the first principal.
To further preserve Taylor’s history, he created the Duck Room, located at 1004 Dellinger Drive, which features displays devoted to memorabilia and key moments, taking visitors through the years of Duck pride.
This year also has been declared “The Century of the Duck” to honor 100 years of the ubiquitous mallard, with Crow making public speaking appearances and writing narratives.
“You’re the one with the facts,” Tennil told Crow. “You live out your own advice to be proud of where you’re from and to be someone who looks for opportunities to make a difference.”
Another initiative Crow began is the Taylor ISD Ambassador program, in which he invites parents and community members to spend a day at the school district to learn about each campus, the programs and opportunities offered, and to hear from education leaders.
“The energy and excitement he exudes as he shares his passion for our Duck traditions, for Duck history and just for Taylor history itself is contagious,” Tennil said.
During his journey with the school district, Crow said his favorite part is interacting with his students — whether it’s connecting current ones with alumni or seeing former students, now parents, at school celebrations he puts together, such as the anniversaries of Johnson and Pasemann elementary schools.
“It’s one of the biggest treats to go to a school event, and my former students are there as parents and grandparents, and that just is really special,” Crow said.
The Superintendent Coin of Excellence is a new award Garcia-Edwardsen implemented in August to showcase an “exceptional workplace climate” as a part of the district’s strategic plan.
Each month, she receives nominations from district leaders for employees who have exceeded in exemplifying Taylor ISD’s mission “to Inspire, Equip and Empower Every Child to Reach Their Unique Potential.”
The school district has awarded both longtime employees, such as Crow and Family Support Services Coordinator John Matthews, and newcomers, such as teacher apprentice Lindsey Cram.
“We have so many outstanding people working for the Taylor schools,” Crow said. “So many of these colleagues I’ve known over time, and then I’ve gotten to know the newer ones, and they all just do a fantastic job in their roles. And to be a part of that, it’s just a huge honor.”
