When Brianna Murphy ’12, M.Ed., was in high school, she took Mark Twain’s advice seriously: “Make your vocation your vacation.” As vice principal and history teacher at Advanced Math & Science Academy (AMSA) in Marlborough, Murphy has embraced the storied author’s guidance.
“Teaching brings so much joy, creativity, excitement, and stimulation into my life,” she said. “Teaching is a rewarding career that I am proud to have, making it so much more than a job to me. I feel that teaching allows me to make a small difference in the world — even if it’s just making a student laugh or being a welcoming presence in their lives, I know how important that can be.”
Murphy, whose career in education blossomed from her desire to always keep learning, was attracted to Assumption for the liberal arts experience and the variety of perspectives provided by such an education. The ability to double major in history and political science with a concentration in middle/secondary education is something Murphy said has made her a more effective history teacher, allowing her to reflect on history through a political lens. Her thirst for knowledge, amplified by Assumption’s commitment to forming thoughtful citizens, has influenced her to instill in her own students the importance of continuously learning about the world around them.
“One of the most humbling parts of being a history teacher is that you really have to confront how much you don’t know,” she said. “I am always learning, whether it be through some new documentary, a book, or a visit to a historic site. But I think being aware of what I don’t know is key, and I have no qualms about admitting to students when I need to look something up. It helps me model humility, honesty, and curiosity, and I think those traits are all part of exhibiting critical intelligence as well.”
Murphy puts her words into action each time she learns something new about American history. “I seek out some kind of professional development opportunity or visit a new museum, and I love sharing these discoveries with my students,” she said, adding that this includes sharing photos of herself at historical places. “I do notice that when I am able to talk about a historic event from a more personal perspective … the tone of the classroom shifts. Students seem all the more engaged in hearing about my own intellectual journey; I aim to use my own experiences to inspire them.”
Since joining AMSA immediately after graduating from Assumption, she has taught subjects ranging from ancient history, to European history, to AP U.S. history, to civics; serves as the advisor of the Model United Nations and student government; and has accompanied students as a chaperone on study tours to such places as Italy, England, France, Germany, Poland, Czechia, Austria, and Washington, DC. Since 2019, when she was promoted to vice principal, she takes advantage of being able to teach one class in order to remain connected to her students.
“Education is such a powerful tool to use to better one’s circumstances in life, and I love having the opportunity to create meaningful educational opportunities for students so that they can transcend whatever external limitations have been placed on them in order to reach their full potential,” she said.
Assumption is never far from Murphy’s mind. She said she often thinks of the guidance she received from her professors when working with her own students.
“There is simply no way I would be the teacher I am today if I had not gone to Assumption,” she said. “I had many professors who became reliable advisors and helped guide my development as an educator, historian, thinker, and leader.”
