“When I was asked to move up to my school’s Junior High department, and be the Junior High Department Chair, I was hesitant at first because of the drastic change. I never had middle school on my teaching radar to be honest,” shared teacher of the month, Miss Marissa Murphy. “However, after praying over it, I was assured that I could take on this new challenge and I am so happy that I did.”
Miss Murphy is now in her third year teaching seventh grade earth science and eighth grade physical science at Covenant Christian School in Mobile. She graduated with her Bachelor in Elementary Education at University of Mobile and is looking forward to continuing her own education with a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.
“Being the science teacher allows me to be more creative in my style,” Miss Murphy explained. “We get to have a lot of fun in my room! It could be dissecting sheep hearts or having a paper airplane competition.”
She continued to share that her teaching style may be a little more laid back than other teachers. She attributes that to establishing expectations and daily routines up front with her students. She also focuses on building relationships with her students quickly.
“Students will not work for you if they don’t believe that you care for them,” she said. “It was third and fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Davis, who really inspired me to become a teacher. She showed me that teaching is more than just making sure kids know the content. It’s about investing time in your students and building those relationships!”
Miss Murphy believes in strong relationships with her students, but also with her principal and colleagues. Her encouragement to those entering the teaching field for the first time is to lean on these people for support. She explained that it is impossible to do everything alone and recommends developing these relationships for support, encouragement and motivation all year long.
“I absolutely love teaching middle school. Middle school is such a formative time in these young student’s lives. Everything is changing,” Miss Murphy said. “It is an honor to be there to support and love them through this season of their lives. I am one of their biggest cheerleaders!”
Miss Marissa Murphy is in her eighth year of teaching and loves every bit of it. When she isn’t at school, she loves to spend time with her brother, sister-in-law and niece. Marissa also loves to travel and usually takes a trip each summer with some of her best teacher friends.