Dr. Janet Taylor of Louisburg, originally from Polkton, was named Teacher of the Year for Louisburg High School for the 2009-2010 school year.

Dr. Taylor has spent the past 31 years teaching science on a variety of levels ranging from middle school to college. Currently she is a science teacher at Louisburg High School.

She holds a B.A. in biology from UNC-Charlotte, and a M.S. in botany and a Ph.D. in science education from N.C. State University.

In addition to teaching, Dr. Taylor studies environmental issues and has spent time on the N.C. League of Women Voters board of directors and also lobbies in the N.C. General Assembly on environmental issues. She is a member of the Louisburg United Methodist Church and participates in the Fellowship Ringers Handbell Choir.

Taylor is the daughter of the late C.L. Hatley and Margie Hatley, 84, and is married to Patrick Taylor, who works in Raleigh. Her son Doug White attends N.C. State University and her stepson, Christopher Taylor, is serving in the U.S. Navy.