ABOUT ME/CURRENT PROFESSIONAL POSITION
My name is Ramona Taylor-Kadiri, and I am so excited about getting to know you, your interests, and your history as well as the history of the United States. I teach on-level and Advanced Placement U.S. History at Sam Houston High School in Arlington, Texas. I love when I bring out the confidence and a love for fascinating events in history to my students--when I see it in their eyes--the interest, which is even more important than just "getting it." Teenagers are my favorite group of people!
I was chosen as Teacher of the Month for my Arlington ISD District in 2018, and the Teacher of the Year for my Sam Houston campus in 2024-2025. However, it is the hundreds of notes and cards from my current and former students over the years that is my greatest keepsake and edification that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.
I am the sponsor of our Black History program show and events. Our program aims to instill a sense of unity, inclusivity, cultural pride and awareness, and leadership to our scholars, who can become eligible to apply for our annual scholarship. We have the most supportive teachers, staff, students, and community.
I am also co-sponsor of our National Honor Society. We have over 100 junior and senior members who exemplify four core pillars of: scholarship, service, leadership, and character.
I also am the campus designated voter registrar, hoping to encourage young people to be active in the democratic process, as well as serve on our graduation committee.
MY PASSION/TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
I believe all of my high school teenagers are still that same little child, with bright eyes, who still wants the adults in their lives to guide them, empower them, challenge them, acknowledge them, believe in them, mentor them, and encourage them. All kids can grow in their skills, learning, analysis, motivation, reading, and writing skills in just one school year. While they are growing into adults, I never want to forget that I am a partner with the other adults in their lives, teachers, coaches, parents, counselors, mentors, pastors, etc. and that together, we are responsible as a village, as a community, to cultivate that person, water them, help them find their passion, and hold high expectations for them. I also believe that I am a lifelong learner, and that my students, at my title I school, through their hardships and experiences, can certainly teach me just as much as I hope I teach them
BACKGROUND/EDUCATION
My favorite things to do in high school were cheerleading and track! I am from Lubbock, TX, went to Texas Tech University, and earned a bachelors in History with minors in Political science and English. I have been teaching a total of 24 years, and each year I learn something new! I've taught 7th grade Texas history, 10th grade World History and AP World History and currently 11th grade on level and Advanced Placement U.S. History.
I come from a long line of Black farmers and cowboys from Southeast Texas, Montgomery county. Our land is the glue that holds are family together, our culture, traditions, and family reunions are something I hold close to my heart and once took for granted.
Today, in 2016, my ultimate goal would also be to travel or experience teaching young people in a foreign country like my aunt who has been teaching throughout Asia and Africa for over 30 years and is currently teaching in Japan.
I completed my Masters in History in 2020 from Pace University New York via the Gilder Lehrman Masters in History for teachers program. It was the best experience I could have ever had, with live world renowned professors, perspectives, and challenging analysis. The ultimate application of my learning was my Masters Thesis entitled: Promised Land: The Rise and Fall of Freedmen Settlements of Texas and the Urgent Quest to Preserve Them. click here if you would like to read.
Update: I have received the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classroom Fellowship Award for 2025--2026. I am so excited!
MY INTERESTS AND HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF TEACHING
My two sons, Mikelis and Yitzak, are my greatest joy, support system, and best friends as they navigate into adulthood. I love many different subjects and hobbies: spending time with family, all genres of music, song writing and poetry, crime documentaries, survival movies, languages, debating current political affairs, decorating, hair design, home remedies and medicine, culture, and sports just to name a few!
One thing I almost forgot! I have a twin sister, and my students always run into her thinking it's me. Don't worry, her name is Ms. Taylor too, and she'll say hello even if she doesn't know who you are!:) I also have another sister and a brother who were my first "teachers," taking me to the library, teaching me how to read, and even through my shyness, that I could be the "smartest" and most confident kid in my classroom. My mother taught me so much about culture, linguistics, and history while growing up. Without a college education, and becoming a widow by her late 20s, her work ethic, love of books, and placing me in the best environments she could afford shaped me into who I am today.
I am beyond excited to incorporate what I learn through the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms and my International Field Experience in Peru this summer, June 2026 back into my home campus classroom! You will have a great year in my class, and I know if you don't already love history, you soon will! I cannot wait to update and share my experiences with you.
CONTACT ME HERE: email [email protected]
social media:
DISCLAIMER: This website is not an official U.S. Department of State website. The views and information presented are the participant's own and do not represent the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program, the U.S. Department of State, or IREX.
My name is Ramona Taylor-Kadiri, and I am so excited about getting to know you, your interests, and your history as well as the history of the United States. I teach on-level and Advanced Placement U.S. History at Sam Houston High School in Arlington, Texas. I love when I bring out the confidence and a love for fascinating events in history to my students--when I see it in their eyes--the interest, which is even more important than just "getting it." Teenagers are my favorite group of people!
I was chosen as Teacher of the Month for my Arlington ISD District in 2018, and the Teacher of the Year for my Sam Houston campus in 2024-2025. However, it is the hundreds of notes and cards from my current and former students over the years that is my greatest keepsake and edification that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.
I am the sponsor of our Black History program show and events. Our program aims to instill a sense of unity, inclusivity, cultural pride and awareness, and leadership to our scholars, who can become eligible to apply for our annual scholarship. We have the most supportive teachers, staff, students, and community.
I am also co-sponsor of our National Honor Society. We have over 100 junior and senior members who exemplify four core pillars of: scholarship, service, leadership, and character.
I also am the campus designated voter registrar, hoping to encourage young people to be active in the democratic process, as well as serve on our graduation committee.
MY PASSION/TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
I believe all of my high school teenagers are still that same little child, with bright eyes, who still wants the adults in their lives to guide them, empower them, challenge them, acknowledge them, believe in them, mentor them, and encourage them. All kids can grow in their skills, learning, analysis, motivation, reading, and writing skills in just one school year. While they are growing into adults, I never want to forget that I am a partner with the other adults in their lives, teachers, coaches, parents, counselors, mentors, pastors, etc. and that together, we are responsible as a village, as a community, to cultivate that person, water them, help them find their passion, and hold high expectations for them. I also believe that I am a lifelong learner, and that my students, at my title I school, through their hardships and experiences, can certainly teach me just as much as I hope I teach them
BACKGROUND/EDUCATION
My favorite things to do in high school were cheerleading and track! I am from Lubbock, TX, went to Texas Tech University, and earned a bachelors in History with minors in Political science and English. I have been teaching a total of 24 years, and each year I learn something new! I've taught 7th grade Texas history, 10th grade World History and AP World History and currently 11th grade on level and Advanced Placement U.S. History.
I come from a long line of Black farmers and cowboys from Southeast Texas, Montgomery county. Our land is the glue that holds are family together, our culture, traditions, and family reunions are something I hold close to my heart and once took for granted.
Today, in 2016, my ultimate goal would also be to travel or experience teaching young people in a foreign country like my aunt who has been teaching throughout Asia and Africa for over 30 years and is currently teaching in Japan.
I completed my Masters in History in 2020 from Pace University New York via the Gilder Lehrman Masters in History for teachers program. It was the best experience I could have ever had, with live world renowned professors, perspectives, and challenging analysis. The ultimate application of my learning was my Masters Thesis entitled: Promised Land: The Rise and Fall of Freedmen Settlements of Texas and the Urgent Quest to Preserve Them. click here if you would like to read.
Update: I have received the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classroom Fellowship Award for 2025--2026. I am so excited!
MY INTERESTS AND HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF TEACHING
My two sons, Mikelis and Yitzak, are my greatest joy, support system, and best friends as they navigate into adulthood. I love many different subjects and hobbies: spending time with family, all genres of music, song writing and poetry, crime documentaries, survival movies, languages, debating current political affairs, decorating, hair design, home remedies and medicine, culture, and sports just to name a few!
One thing I almost forgot! I have a twin sister, and my students always run into her thinking it's me. Don't worry, her name is Ms. Taylor too, and she'll say hello even if she doesn't know who you are!:) I also have another sister and a brother who were my first "teachers," taking me to the library, teaching me how to read, and even through my shyness, that I could be the "smartest" and most confident kid in my classroom. My mother taught me so much about culture, linguistics, and history while growing up. Without a college education, and becoming a widow by her late 20s, her work ethic, love of books, and placing me in the best environments she could afford shaped me into who I am today.
I am beyond excited to incorporate what I learn through the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms and my International Field Experience in Peru this summer, June 2026 back into my home campus classroom! You will have a great year in my class, and I know if you don't already love history, you soon will! I cannot wait to update and share my experiences with you.
CONTACT ME HERE: email [email protected]
social media:
DISCLAIMER: This website is not an official U.S. Department of State website. The views and information presented are the participant's own and do not represent the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program, the U.S. Department of State, or IREX.
