Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I myself had so many wonderful educators growing up that made a significant impact in my life which resulted in me wanting to do the same. I of course l, like many teachers, wanted to make a difference in our world and I currently feel like I’m doing that for so many of my students. Even if I only impact one student life each year, it’s more than enough for me to keep going.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

It may seem silly, but my most memorable teaching moment was a few years ago when we were decorating cookies before winter break started. (This is something I always do with my 4th graders) and while we were decorating cookies, one of my students says “Mrs. Murray, I’ve never decorated a cookie before, this is like the best day of my life!” And in the moment I realized that it wasn’t just the math or writing I was teaching, it was the small moments like this that impacted them the most.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With the $25,000 I would like to give back to the most vulnerable in my community. I work in a title 1 school and would love to be able to help our new non profit group in my town supply our students in our schools with basic needs of clothing, hygiene products, and food. I would also love to use some of the money to send my school and others to fun enriching field trips in our community since my school and others don’t get to do that often at all. :)