Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School Art Teacher Sean Murphy has been named the 2017 Virginia Elementary Art Educator of the Year by the Virginia Art Education Association (VAEA).
Murphy is an engaging instructor and a skilled artist who has been with ACPS since 1991. Prior to joining Tucker, Murphy was the art teacher at James K. Polk Elementary School from 1991-2000.
At Tucker, Murphy chairs the PBIS Goal Team and serves on Tucker’s leadership team that meets weekly to inform curriculum matters and school operations and is a member of the Faculty Council. He is a highly respected teacher who is known as balanced, passionate and effective. He is also known for forming deep bonds with his students and engaging them in projects that truly allow them to explore their creativity and find personal meaning in their work.
“Teachers across all content areas sit in awe when they observe Mr. Murphy’s mastery of the teaching and learning process. Kids perform at such high levels in Sean’s classroom because he is a master teacher. As we say in education circles, Sean is one of those teachers who just gets it,” said Tucker Principal Rene Paschal.
Murphy received his master’s in art education from George Mason University in 2011 and has worked with numerous museums, in addition to writing grants in support of the arts. He works closely with the National Gallery of Art developing programs and teaching, and willingly shares his knowledge with his colleagues and students.
“I’m very lucky to work at Tucker and in ACPS. The arts are very much supported throughout ACPS. I work with an amazing staff of teachers and an incredibly supportive administration that inspire me to be a better educator and a better artist. I am honored to receive this award because I feel like I’ve grown so much in the past six years as an art teacher after earning my master’s degree. I think as teachers, we’re always evolving to meet the demands of our students,” said Murphy.
The VAEA awards recognize excellence and achievement, focusing on exemplary art educators and quality art education. VAEA also works to increase public awareness of the importance of quality art education.
Murphy was recognized in a ceremony during the VAEA state conference last month and at the School Board meeting last Thursday.