Dedicated to an Open-Door Policy

Taylor began her education career nearly 40 years ago in Florida. She came to Falls Church public schools in 1978 and four years later joined the Thomas Jefferson staff as a special education teacher. She stayed, rising through the ranks -- she was assistant principal for two years -- before being named principal in 2003.

At first, she was not sure she would like the job. That has changed.

"I really feel like I've been able to still know the children as an administrator," Taylor said. "It really has been very rewarding."

Staff members called Taylor hard-working, exceedingly kind and a constant champion for the underdogs -- a legacy, some surmised, from her time as a special education teacher. Over the years, they said, Taylor has started after-school tutoring for students with little educational support at home and clubs for children with disabilities.

"She is often lovingly referred to as 'St. Trudy' because of her unparalleled goodness," wrote Heidi Lang, a gifted-resources teacher.

Taylor said she is most proud of Jefferson's inclusion program for special education students, which brings them into regular classrooms. The program teaches children to cope with the world at large, she said.

"My heart has always gone out to children at risk in particular," Taylor said. "I love to see all children learning but especially those who have struggled the most."