Vanessa Nguyen and Khkola – Niazi contributed to this article
The new school year welcomes not only students, but also teachers. Melissa Murphy, a special education teacher and a co-teacher for 9th and 10th-grade English classes, brings her uplifting attitude.
Born in Billerica, Massachusetts, Murphy recalls having a difficult time in school due to undiagnosed ADHD; however, Murphy still didn’t let it stop her from doing what she loved. Her personal experiences fueled her passion for teaching, especially in special education. She aims to provide assistance for students with the support they need, hoping to ease their struggles and help them navigate their educational journeys more efficiently.
“It’s been great to have someone else to work with in the room. She helps her students. Even the most difficult students seem to roll over for her when she’s asking them to do something,” English teacher Dr. Charles Redmond explained.
Before becoming a teacher, she moved between different occupations. “I’ve moved around a little bit. I’ve been a school bus driver, and I’ve been an exterminator for a little bit. I was also a substitute teacher, a dog groomer, and a nanny. I’ve done a lot of different things,” Murphy explained.
“In her old school, she taught all four subjects, but her school is different from ours, and to me that was interesting; where would you find another teacher like this?” sophomore Anna Zhong exclaimed.
Being free-spirited, she wanted to move around and engage in many things; the thought of sitting at a desk all the time bored her. “I did try it for about a year in finance. I don’t like sitting the whole time; I need to be interactive, and I need things to change. You have different classes, and you see different students. I like all that stuff. I like helping. I’m a nurturer. I’m a problem fixer,” Murphy said.
Murphy’s biggest inspiration is her professor, who has kept in touch with her and continues to ask questions. To Murphy, she’s like a cheerleader, cheering her on with whatever she’s doing. Learning new things from her, she is one of her biggest advocates who pushes her to continue teaching.
In her free time, Murphy likes to go hiking, enjoying the nature that surrounds her. When she’s not doing that, she does different arts and crafts. “I consider myself a DIYer. I like to learn how to do things and do it myself,” Murphy exclaimed.
About the Author
