La Follette High School Educator Taylor Koss Wins Silver at 2025 Deaflympics

MADISON, Wis.—Taylor Koss, an American Sign Language teacher at the Madison Metropolitan School District’s (MMSD) Robert M. La Follette High School, captured a silver medal in the 4X100 relay at the 2025 World Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan. 

“Representing Team USA as a Deaf athlete is something I take great pride in,” Koss said. “Competing at the Deaflympics and bringing home a medal is an honor, but so is being able to share that experience with my students. I want them to know that their identity is a strength and that they can succeed on any stage.”

Upon his return to the school, students and staff honored Koss with a celebration featuring the La Follette band and messages of support from the Lancer community. His achievement reflects years of dedication to his athletic pursuits and his work with students.

“Taylor is an incredibly valued member of our school,” La Follette Principal Mat Thompson said. “Our students look up to him not only for his athletic success but for the leadership, positivity and authenticity he brings to the classroom every day. Mr. Koss is such a role model for our Lancers. We are proud to celebrate this accomplishment with him.”

Koss has represented Team USA three times before this year and is known for training independently, often without a coach or major sponsorship. USA Deaf Track and Field receives no government funding, and athletes frequently balance full-time work with travel, training and fundraising efforts. Despite these challenges, Koss has remained committed to competing at the highest level while serving students at La Follette.

As an ASL teacher and Deaf educator, Koss contributes to a learning environment where sign language, accessibility and Deaf culture are embedded throughout the school community. La Follette High School, along with Ray F. Sennett Middle and Dr. Virginia Henderson Elementary schools, serves as a hub for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students and offers specialized resources that support communication access, language development and academic success.

MMSD’s DHH programming includes:

• Direct instruction from licensed DHH teachers 
• Educational sign language interpreters who support communication in academic, social and extracurricular settings
• Audiology services that maintain and monitor hearing equipment
• American Sign Language coursework through level four at La Follette 
• School environments where sign language is normalized and used widely, including by hearing peers

“Having educators like Taylor makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our students,” Thompson added. “He shows them what is possible and helps create a school culture where DHH students feel seen, supported and valued.”

To learn more about MMSD’s special education services, which include DHH programming, please visit the MMSD website.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.