Introduction to ME

(personal photo)

Welcome!  

On Friday, shortly after this picture was taken a student said, "Ms. Murphy, you like playing with play dough and you were a tagger in gym, but you look like an adult."  After laughing at his honesty, I reflected on how his statement not only reflected the person I am, but it also provided a glimpse into my teaching style.  

Now I suppose it is time I explain....

Hello!  From about 8:30 am-3:45 pm Monday through Friday, I go by Ms. Murphy, but my friends and family know me as Mary Kate.  I am a late twenty-something who is on a quest for inclusion.  My background is in Recreation Therapy, which means allowing ALL people and abilities to have access to recreation and leisure (inclusion).  Click here to learn more about Recreation Therapy! I spent  time in Special Recreation Associations and mental health facilities providing meaningful recreation opportunities.  As much as I loved my time in recreation, I began feeling as if I needed something different.  Special Education made sense, and turns out I LOVE it!  So here I am..at Dominican getting my Masters in SpEd. I currently work as a Paraprofessional in Kindergarten and First Grade.  I find myself having a hard time describing my job, but a 5 year old said it best when she said, "Are you the teacher that makes sure kids feel safe and know what to do?"  I facilitate and modify a math rotation, create and modify Superkids (ELA) lessons, and also make sure that my students are included into their general education classrooms.  I love going to work every day, and I truly believe that I have found my purpose.

Teaching has allowed me to combine my passion for organized play and education; hence the tagger in gym and play dough. 

Unrelated to teaching fun facts:

• If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me if I have a twin named Ashley, I could retire at 30.
• Yoga keeps me sane, Namaste!
• I could eat sushi 7 days a week..
• I am an only child, so my friends are VERY important to me and have become my family.  I am also VERY close with my parents.
• I lived in Atlanta for 6 months on a quest to "find more."  AND Dorthy (me) found out very quickly that she was no longer in Kansas (Chicago).  Turns out the grass is not always greener. 
• I am planning a wedding for November 2020 and I couldn't be more excited!  
• Live music, YES please!
• I should probably invest in a life supply of sunscreen, well because my last name is Murphy, but my favorite vacations are spent on a beach (ironic, I know). 

Thanks for stopping by!  Until next time...