We’d like to introduce you to Mr. Matthew Murphy, 7th & 8th grade Individual and Societies teacher at our tuition-free charter school. Mr. Murphy has been a member of the Kavod team for four years and as an IB MYP teacher, he brings a wealth of knowledge about his subject area as he supports our middle school students to become engaged learners and global citizens.
Who or what inspired you to become an educator?
Teaching is often seen as a profession that provides a strong sense of purpose. I want to contribute to the intellectual and personal development of my students. In addition to my passion for history, I understand and appreciate the impact teachers can have on individual lives, and I want to embrace the opportunity to make a positive difference. Furthermore, the joy of learning and helping others discover new things was a factor in my decision to become a teacher. I want to share my belief in the inherent value that education and critical thinking are the keys to a functioning society. To summarize, I became a teacher because of a passion for inspiring and shaping students.
How does Kavod’s mission and vision align with your personal and professional values?
The mission of Kavod Charter School aligns with my personal and professional values because an emphasis on providing an excellent academic program reflects a commitment to educational excellence is a concept that resonates with my belief in the power of education. The focus on developing socially responsible and respectful individuals aligns with my values of fostering positive character development and contributing to the well-being of society. Additionally, the goal of nurturing global citizens underscores the importance of preparing students to engage with and contribute to the broader world.
What do you love most about your role at Kavod?
One of my favorite parts of my roles at Kavod (other than the students and my awesome coworkers) is the ability to craft a curriculum that enables me to infuse creativity and innovation into my teaching methods, ensuring that each lesson is not only educational but also captivating. The ability to use different instructional approaches keeps me motivated and passionate about my work. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness students actively engage with the material when it’s personalized to resonate with curiosity and a connection to the world.
Share a favorite memory of your time at Kavod.
One of my most cherished memories at Kavod is both the sixth-grade Ancient Civilizations Museum and the seventh-grade Ancient China marketplace events. Those events were both a remarkable and immersive experience that showcased the creativity and dedication of both grades. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as students showcased their knowledge through vibrant displays, interactive activities, and thoughtful presentations. I was immensely proud of my students for not only meeting but exceeding expectations and showcasing a deep understanding of history through their creative and interactive projects.
Tell us a bit about you.
Originally from Benicia, which is a small town in the Bay Area, I made the move to this area 13 years ago to pursue my education at SDSU, majoring in Theatre and History, with an emphasis on US History and Government. I have been teaching since 2019 and have worked with students ranging from 5th to 12th grade. Outside the classroom, I’m an avid fan of Bay Area sports and love to both watch and play basketball at any given opportunity. I enjoy going to the gym and kayaking, as well as spending quality time with my wife and daughter, enjoying everything that San Diego has to offer.
Learn more about our middle school teachers, Mr. Murphy and all of our great staff at our close-knit TK-8 school on our blog and website! We’re enrolling for Fall 2024-25.
About Kavod
Kavod is a tuition-free public charter school in San Diego committed to growing the next generation of bilingual, globally aware leaders who will make the world a more respectful place. We offer modern Hebrew and Spanish to diverse TK-8th graders alongside a rigorous curriculum, the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, and enriching electives. As a small, non-religious elementary and middle school, we are consistently ranked as a top 10% charter school in California and the nation. Kavod means respect – we believe respect makes a world of difference. Enroll with Kavod today!
