‘Teacher of the Month’ returns home to make an impact on local students

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A familiar face returned to New Hanover High School recently, not as a student but as a mentor, earning recognition as WWAY’s Teacher of the Month for September.

Jacen Murphy, a relatively new teacher at New Hanover High, received the honor during a surprise visit to his classroom Friday. Murphy, who graduated from the school, said returning as a teacher has been both nostalgic and rewarding.

“It’s been very fulfilling being here and being able to impact the students,” Murphy said. “I see a lot of myself in a lot of the students, so I try to just be everything that I wish I had and more.”

Murphy received six nominations in a single day, many from students who participated in the surprise presentation. Students described him as inspiring, supportive, and uplifting.

“Coach Murphy has been such an inspiration to me, in just a few months of knowing him, said student Dakota Thompson.

“On the greatest of my days, he’s hyped me up to the top. On the lowest, he’s just been there for me, and understood, and given his thoughts and experience,” said student Victoria Quintana.

“He’s just always been very uplifting and very encouraging. He can tell when you’re having a bad day,” said Micayla Mathers.

For Murphy, the recognition is less about accolades and more about making a difference in the lives of his students.

“It means the world. I wake up every day thinking about them. I’m motivated to come to work every day because of them, because of the smiles that they bring, because of the love that they show me. I’m just grateful,” he said.

The Teacher of the Month program is supported by Masonboro Kids Dentistry, April Jones Insurance, and The Golf Barn. Murphy received a $600 prize as part of the honor.

You can nominate a deserving teacher here.