Huntington Learning Center’s Teacher of the Month: Vancleave Upper Elementary’s Terri Murray

Each month during the school year at WXXV News 25 we like to highlight a local teacher that goes above and beyond.

It was an exciting morning in Ms. Murray’s classroom as she was recognized as Huntington Learning Center’s Teacher of the Month.

“I cried, we do so much and we go so unrecognized. And it came at the right time and God knew it was a wink because it came in the right time.”

Terri Murray teaches special education life skills at Vancleave Upper Elementary, a job that requires a lot of work and usually not a lot of recognition.

“Ms. Murray goes above and beyond to talk with the parents of her children and any other caregivers that may be important in that child’s life, medical professionals, additionally therapists and that nature, to make sure she understands the whole child and addresses all of their needs. So, she’s kind of everything to her students. She’s nurse, counselor. Anything that needs to be done. Whatever needs to be done Ms. Murray and her team jump in to help.”

That dedication to her students is what lead to Terri being recognized as one of the best teachers on the coast and I can confidently say after meeting her they don’t make teachers like Ms. Murray.

“My one reward is when you start a school year and you get a new baby and they can’t write their name, they can’t do anything. She wrote her name this school year. So, it’s those moments when you take a child you can’t even imagine being able to get there and you get them there. You prove to everyone they can be successful just like everyone else.”

Terri Murray hopes this award brings more recognition to special needs teachers and the invaluable work they do every day.