A lifelong advocate for children, Mr. Taylor served as a teacher, principal, and Associate Superintendent for Instruction for the Las Cruces Public Schools. It was during that time that he was elected President of the New Mexico Education Association (NMEA) in 1969, which later became the National Education Association- New Mexico (NEA-NM). President Taylor called this first year, “A year of reflection on change (1968): of agonizing hope, of courage and action, of experience and preparation, of deep professional commitment.” President Taylor was instrumental in the passage and implementation of New Mexico's Public School Funding Formula in the early 1970s-a nationally-renowned innovative and equitable funding formula that has served the New Mexican education community well these many years.
President Taylor was a man with incredible stamina who put beliefs into action, championing culturally and linguistically sustaining education. He was also a humble man, who used to joke with my Father-in-law, Alberto Sanchez, NMEA President 1966-1967 that they were primos with shared family in Romeroville just outside of Las Vegas, NM.
He came out of his educational retirement to be elected to the State House of Representatives from District 33, where he ably served his constituents for 20 years, earning the title of "Conscience of the Legislature" from his colleagues for his adherence to ethics, civility, and service to the citizens of New Mexico.
He and his wife, Mary leave a legacy of generosity, education, and service that will continue as their historic home on the Mesilla Plaza has been bequeathed to the Museum of New Mexico, along with its treasures, which include New Mexican art, retablos, nativity sets collection, and furnishings.
NEA-NM joins the Taylor family in grieving his loss, celebrating his life, and dedicating ourselves to maintaining and furthering his ideals in serving our children, our seniors, and our state.
