Murphy’s Makes it Big in March

It is said that the best teachers teach from the heart and not by the book, and this statement holds true for MN English teacher Kari Murphy as she was awarded with the March 2016 Employee of the Month in Millard Public Schools.

Every week, a link is sent out through the human resources to nominate employees in the Millard school district. In response to the link, Guidance Counselor Jillian DePue took the initiative to nominate Murphy as a suitable candidate.

In a career that is focused around building relationships with youth, even Murphy’s students recognize her hard work

“She’s very thorough with her instructions and she makes my day. She always makes me laugh and she prepares me for my future,”
Junior Myah Morrissey said. “She’s always has the best advice and is totally the type of person to come in and have a conversation with. I love to talk to her and I like to think of her like an aunt to me.”

As a teacher for English 9/Literacy Enrichment, Lit for Life, and Literacy Enrichment 1, Murphy’s job is no simple task. Typically catering to students who have unique individual challenges and a need for a more personalized education, recognition was a refreshing experience.

“I don’t think any teacher here is doing this job looking to be recognized for the work they are doing. It is what we all desire to do. That’s why when someone does call you out and tells you that you are doing a good job, it is incredibly humbling because there are so many innovative teachers that I constantly look up to and try to model what they are accomplishing in the classroom,” Murphy said.

photo by Christi Fournier

In a society that declares teaching as a low wage job with high time commitment, Murphy finds solace in building relationships with students based on trust rather than teaching just for a paycheck.

“I love the connections and relationships I build with students and families-I have met some of the coolest parents while working as an educator and some even cooler students who are doing some really great things in the school, community, and world,” Murphy said.

In any career, tactics using trial and error are necessary. Even after teaching for twelve years, Murphy still finds ways to increase success in the classroom. Whether it be straight A students or Straight D students, Murphy is determined to achieve greatness in students. Sometimes greatness just means graduating for some students, but in her mind, she considers that a win.

“She’s always challenging me to be a better student. Sometimes it can get frustrating and she can be stubborn about helping me but I know she does it to make me a better person,” Morrissey said.

Murphy’s perseverance does not go unnoticed.

“She’s incredibly resourceful, dependable, flexible, and she always goes above and beyond when faced with the students that often times get overlooked,” DePue said.

Often times, education is put in a light where there are low benefits. However, Murphy’s reward is all in the work she does everyday. Observing progress in her student’s lives and seeing the light bulb in their head go off is all she needs.