- Special Events
- Teacher of the Year
Candace Norris
Murphy Middle School - Theatre Teacher
Teaching Philosophy
The room had stars hanging from the ceiling with green velvet movie seats covering the front half of the classroom defining the acting space from the audience. The focus of the room was the small, wooden stage where hundreds of students before me poured out their adolescent emotions. Little did I know at the time that the room reeking of teenage odor and smelly must would be my home away from home for the next four years and the place I try to emulate in future years. I grew as a performer and an individual in this room while gaining confidence and social skills that would benefit me for the rest of my life. When I think about my own personal philosophy as an educator, I think back to this room and the reason I chose to teach theater in the first place; to give students what my theater teacher gave to me - confidence and a sense of belonging.
From the first day of class to when the students continue their journey into high school, I use social and emotional strategies to build a community and a safe environment for students to express themselves. Witnessing the journey of every student grow in his or her own confidence and into empathic young adults is my greatest reward as a teacher. Having a bubbly personality and tons of energy is something I use to my advantage. I take the time to get to know my students and in return, they get to know me. By constantly encouraging and remaining positive, my students can be themselves and come to me when in need. Fostering a community in the classroom and providing ample amounts of opportunities for students to reflect and communicate is the foundation for all that I teach, no matter the course or unit. Individuals that have never been interested in theatre, public speaking or any artistic endeavor, have been drawn to my department, in part by our sense of comradery and inclusion, but mostly due to our overwhelming sense of community. As a teacher, director and a coach, I find it imperative to take the time to get to know all of my students and aid in their individual goals.
A touching example of this is when I had a student whose parents wanted him to join the speech and debate team, so that he wouldn’t be “so shy.” I could rarely get him to participate or even talk in class, so how was I going to get him to join a speech team? One day, he expressed in his daily journal that he liked poetry and often-doodled verse in his margins. The next day, I slipped him a poem titled Finger Paints and Crayons from one of my old Chicken Soup for the Soul books with a sticky note on top that said, “This is a perfect poem for you to compete with! I know you would do great things with it.” During after school practice, he let me and some other students watch him perform this piece. For the first time in my teaching career, I cried in front of a student. It was truly beautiful. His emotion and passion shone through in his performance and he had come out of a shell he had built for so long. Unfortunately, he spent many tournaments in his own head, fearful of messing up or judged by others. He tried to quit multiple times, but his teammates and I, knowing his true talent, encouraged him to stick with it. At the final tournament of the year, we all shed a tear as he walked the stage to accept his third-place trophy in Poetry. When I arrived at school on Monday, I had a heartfelt letter on my desk, expressing how being a part of the team had changed his life and thanked me for never giving up on him. Taped to the wall behind my desk is his letter, along with about a hundred other letters, similar to his, from students that I have kept throughout the years.
In my classroom, my students are taught and practice how to be productive citizens in society, respect the art theater and speech and to understand and accept others opinions. They learn those, all of those life lessons, just as I did, through a subject that is oftentimes misunderstood. Even though I do not have a room with green velvet chairs and the smell of must, my classroom is where students feel safe and is a place they call home. Each day when I walk into my classroom, I think of my theatre teacher and the effect she had on my future and me. If I can help my students grow in their confidence and provide a safe place for them to express themselves, I know I have fulfilled my purpose as their teacher.
Principal's Recommendation
Dear Teacher of the Year Selection Committee,
It is with great excitement that I write a letter of recommendation for Candace Norris, Murphy Middle School's Teacher of the Year. Candace is the Speech and Theater Teacher at Murphy Middle School. Candace possesses an impeccable reputation amongst our students, staff and community. She never ceases to exude professionalism regardless of the circumstances.
Being both head of the Speech program and Theater program, Candace has an enormous job on the Murphy campus. Students that take her classes are privileged to know her and learn from her professional expertise in the areas of speech and theater. Her relationships with students are strong and she is loved by all.
Doing what is best for students always comes first for Candace. She puts in long hours during the entirety of the school year to put forth the most professional experience for her students. It is clear that her teaching position is much more than just a job or career but is her passion in life.
I look forward to attending the Murphy Middle School theater productions each year. Due to Candace’s hard work, these productions are entertaining, professional and well attended. She encourages her students to be their best, which allows them to truly shine on the stage.
Murphy Middle School teachers describe Candace as “hardworking, a team player and joyful.” Another teacher states “Candace pours her heart and soul into her classes and strives to make sure that every one of her students excels. Candace is usually one of the first teachers in the building and almost always one of the last to leave.”
Candace is a leader on our campus, helping other teachers be their best. As the Electives Department Chair, she guides the direction of our many electives to have successful programs. The Murphy Middle School staff is thrilled with our choice as Candace Norris as our Teacher of the Year and it is my absolute privilege to recommend her for the honor of District Secondary Teacher of the Year.
Sincerely,
Matt Conrad
Principal