Spark Spotlight: Henderson County Public Schools Fourth Grade Teacher Madison Murray

How long have you been a teacher? 

This is my second year of teaching fourth grade, so I’ve been teaching for about two years. 

What got you started as a teacher? 

As a kid, I had always wanted to be a teacher. I kind of just knew I was meant to be a teacher. Every single job I’ve ever had has always dealt with kids. I’ve always had a passion for it. 

What do you enjoy most about what you do? 

I love getting to see what we as teachers call the “A-HA” moments when students finally understand what we’re doing, and the light bulb turns on. Also, being able to build relationships with kids is one of the best parts of teaching. 

What is your favorite subject to teach? 

Honestly, I’m probably the weird one. I enjoy math or science lessons because with math, we get to do super cool and fun activities. For example, I did an activity with my class where the students broke up a Hershey’s chocolate bar into pieces to learn fractions. Afterward, they got to eat the chocolate bars. They were very engaged. 

What is most important to you as a teacher? 

Building relationships with my students above all else. Also, teaching them how to be a good person and a good citizen so that they don’t have to learn the harder lessons later on in life. 

What is most rewarding about being a teacher? 

Getting to see my students’ growth at the end of the year, whether it’s the quiet one who finally speaks up at the end of the class, or another student who finally learns how to read. Any sort of growth is rewarding to see. 

When someone walks into your classroom, what do you want them to see? 

I want them to see and to feel that we have a classroom community where students treat each other well, do what they are supposed to be doing, and just an overall smoothly functioning and caring classroom family. 

You can keep up with Madison Murray on TikTok where she posts videos about life as a teacher. She uses TikTok as an outlet to express her experiences as a teacher and to support other teachers’ journeys. 

TikTok: @elementary_with_msmurray