A teacher, someone who causes or helps a student to learn. Robert Murdy, history and psychology teacher at Woodland, takes the meaning to a level few could understand.
Murdy has always had a passion for history. After attending college at The University of Connecticut he began teaching at Arch Bridge School, a school that specializes in helping students with emotional and psychological difficulties.
Murdy knew it would be a difficult task but he wanted to help troubled children. He worked with students who needed serious support to become successful in and out of the classroom.
“I had to be very gentle. It was a lot of caring and understanding. No one’s has ever heard their side or believed in them, ” Murdy explains.
He encouraged these students to see their self-worth and showing them their life’s direction and purpose. He recalls students telling him, “I would not be here without you.” Murdy helped them in ways no one else could. He brought them to achieve their goals and find happiness.
These students changed Murdy as well.
“They helped me become a better person and teacher. They showed me that anyone can overcome what life throws at them. It was very inspiring to see someone come from an unimaginable and horrifying past, and to thrive and be happy. Everyone needs someone they can come talk to,” says Murdy.
He hopes to bring the lessons and skills he learned at the eight years from Arch Bridge to Woodland. He explains that he feels he fits in at Woodland and the transition has been smooth. Although Woodland is very different type of school, all students can struggle with similar issues and need someone that can be relied upon for help.
Murdy is focusing heavily on incorporating abnormal psychology that he witnessed at Arch Bridge into his psychology classes at Woodland. Woodland or Arch Bridge, Murdy will always be there for his students.
Murdy explains, “Everyone from staff to students has been very welcoming. This is an awesome place and I am very blessed to be apart of this team. I am hoping to continue being a person that people can come talk to and helping students in any way that I can.”
