Meet Taylor Cao, Recruiting Director
Taylor Cao
Taylor joined the City Leadership team in August 2023 as our Recruiting Director.
Tennessee by Birth, Memphis by choice
Tennessee is my home. My family immigrated to the United States from Vietnam in the early 90s and chose to start the next chapter of their lives in Knoxville. After they got settled, my parents decided to have me, and I became my family's first native-born U.S. citizen.
After 18 years in East Tennessee, I packed my bags and headed west to Nashville, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Lipscomb University. I wanted to keep exploring this great state, so I moved further west and ended up in Memphis. It has been nine years since I left Nashville, and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Saying Yes to an Opportunity
Speaking of decisions, let me tell you a story about a time I said yes to an opportunity. During the summer between my junior and senior year of college, I worked as a youth ministry intern for a church in Memphis. Let me be clear - I had no intention of working in ministry or with youth. My plan was to attend physical therapy school when I graduated from Lipscomb. I needed to make some money, and this seemed like a fun job.
Towards the end of my internship, a church member pulled me aside after a Sunday service. He said, “Taylor, you seem to be a natural with teenagers. Have you considered teaching?” Respectfully, I told him I had zero intentions of becoming a teacher. I mean, the plan was to be a physical therapist, not a teacher.
He told me his buddy that he cycles with started a teacher preparation program in Memphis. He asked that I go and meet him. Feeling obligated, I hesitantly said yes. The following week, I drove to Union Avenue Baptist Church and walked to the basement entrance. At the door, I was greeted by David Montague, the executive director of the Memphis Teacher Residency. Over the next hour, we discussed his vision for quality, equal education for all students in Memphis. He told me about the residency program, the neighborhoods I could potentially teach in, and the impact his teachers are having on the city’s students.
That night, I went home, stopped my applications for physical therapy school, and began my application to join the Memphis Teacher Residency. I could have said no to meeting David, but I am so glad I said yes. My willingness to put my ego aside and step out of my comfort zone has put me on an incredible journey, and I have not looked back since.
Quality Education for All
My teaching career began at the Collegiate School of Memphis as a science resident under a lead teacher. After residency, I taught science in the Shelby County School System for three years. Two years were spent at Hamilton High School in South Memphis and a year at Kingsbury High School in Highland Heights.
After completing my MTR commitment, I transitioned to St. George’s Independent School in Collierville, a suburb of Memphis. During my four years at SGIS, I wore a handful of hats, including teacher, advisor, coach, and most recently, director of student life.
All Heart, Grit, and Grind
During my first week of MTR, someone told me that people move to certain cities to get what they can, while others move to Memphis to give what they can. That quote has resonated with me over the years as my love for the city has grown. I fully believe that Memphis is the place to be and the people of this city are worth being in community with.
When Taylor is not at work, he is probably…..
Trying a new restaurant with his wife, Alli
Playing pick-up basketball or soccer
Cheering on the Vols and Grizzlies
Walking his golden retrievers, Stella and Neelie
Buying another pair of sneakers
Planning his next ski trip
