Vincent Taylor, the 2025 Duval County Teacher of the Year, has released a dynamic new educational documentary titled “If Instruction Isn’t Engaging, I Quit.” The film, created for educators at all levels, highlights the critical importance of meaningful student engagement in today’s classrooms.
With nearly three decades of experience as an elementary educator, Taylor not only produced and directed the documentary but also appears as one of its featured teachers. His mission is clear: to elevate the conversation around what effective, engaging instruction truly looks like.
“Capturing the perspectives of educators in various roles was enlightening,” Taylor shared. “But the heart of this documentary lies in the voices of students themselves — their candid insights about what engagement looks and feels like in their daily learning experiences.”
The documentary blends best instructional practices with relatable, humorous moments from students, offering a powerful balance of professional insight and authenticity. Interestingly, the project originated from Taylor’s professional development book of the same name, published nine years ago.
“As educators, we must strive to engage students behaviorally, emotionally, and cognitively,” Taylor emphasized. “If we fail to do this, students will simply quit giving us their attention — and with it, their opportunity to learn.”
Educators who have previewed the film describe it as both an inspiration and a call to action. One reviewer noted, “This documentary not only reveals the impact of engagement in the classroom, but also reminds us that engagement is central to all areas of life. Every teacher — and anyone who works with children — should experience this thought provoking masterpiece.”
The documentary is available for viewing on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhwjESZCD1k&t=1156s
To learn more about Vincent Taylor and his work, visit:
https://www.vincenttaylor.com/