The Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative (CKEC) Educator of the Year award was presented to Amber Murphy, a second-grade teacher at Edna L. Toliver Intermediate School, at Copper Roux in Lexington on April 22. Each school district recognizes someone who has demonstrated extraordinary teaching skills and made a positive difference in the lives of students. Danville Independent Schools recognized Amber Murphy.

Murphy is the definition of a team player. She is always willing to help her colleagues and jump in where there is a need. She invests time with each student to build relationships and is as equally successful with students with behavioral needs and academic needs.

She is very passionate about her work. Her dedication to her students is second to none.  She always looks for creative ways to make learning fun and engaging even for her most challenging students while holding them accountable to high standards.

Many teachers say that all kids can learn at high levels, but Murphy truly believes it and strives to make sure it happens in her classroom every day. She has spent countless hours with Toliver’s instructional coach to make sure she truly understands grade-level expectations. They look at the standards, discuss what the students are expected to accomplish to show mastery, and she goes to work planning ways to make sure her students are reaching those high expectations.

She also works tirelessly to put the accommodations in place that will ensure her students, especially those that most would assume could not do the work, are working toward those standards. She never gives up. If one strategy falls short, she has many more in her tool box. Murphy is a dedicated, caring, knowledgeable teacher who gives her students the absolute best education possible. The teaching profession, the Danville Independent School district, and most of all her students are extremely lucky to have an extraordinary educator like her.