Kerri Taylor, Ed.S., is an educator, conductor, and educational leadership scholar dedicated to developing ethical leaders and creating learning environments where every student has the opportunity to succeed. A native of Brundidge, Alabama, she currently serves as Director of Bands at Ariton School, where she combines high expectations, meaningful relationships, and student-centered instruction to cultivate excellence both on and off the performance field.

With nearly two decades of experience in public education, Ms. Taylor has served in a variety of instructional and leadership roles, including High School Director of Bands, Elementary Music Specialist, Collaborative Special Education Teacher, Behavior Interventionist, and Resource Specialist. This diverse professional background has provided her with a unique perspective on educational leadership, student development, and the importance of ethical decision-making across all areas of education.

Ms. Taylor earned both her Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music Education degrees from Troy University, where she was an active leader in the internationally recognized Sound of the South Marching Band, serving both as a section leader and Graduate Assistant. Her performance experience includes serving as Principal Trumpet of the Troy University Symphony Band and Third Trumpet with the Music South Symphony Orchestra. While trumpet is her principal instrument, she possesses broad instructional experience across brass, woodwinds, percussion, voice, musical theatre, and ensemble performance.

Recognizing the importance of meeting the needs of every learner, Ms. Taylor earned an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Collaborative Education from Auburn University at Montgomery with a specialization in Special Education Policy. Her work in special education strengthened her commitment to equity, inclusion, and ensuring that all students have access to meaningful educational opportunities.

Ms. Taylor is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Educational Leadership at Auburn University, where her research focuses on educational ethics, ethical decision-making, and the effects of ethical stress on school leaders. Her scholarship seeks to better understand how ethical challenges influence educational leaders and organizational culture while promoting leadership practices grounded in integrity, accountability, and service.

An active member of numerous professional and honor organizations, Ms. Taylor belongs to Phi Kappa Phi Academic Honor Society, Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity for Women, Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Alabama Bandmasters Association, Alabama Music Educators Association, and the National Association for Music Education.

Whether leading a rehearsal, mentoring future educators, conducting research, or serving her school community, Ms. Taylor believes that integrity is the foundation of effective leadership. She is passionate about advancing educational ethics through her research, professional practice, and leadership development, with the goal of helping schools foster cultures built on trust, accountability, compassion, and excellence.