Dr. Matthew Murphy, Interim Superintendent, Meet Leo

Stepping into my new role as Interim Superintendent, I was greeted with an overwhelming sense of community and warmth. From the moment I walked through the doors, the incredible staff and students made me feel right at home, extending a welcome beyond my expectations. Their enthusiasm and support have already begun to forge new friendships.

Among the many wonderful people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting is Leo—a standout individual not just for his dedication and spirit but also for his shared passion for the Mets. His favorite is Pete Alonso! Finding a fellow fan in a new place is a delightful surprise that makes me feel even more connected to my new community.

As I look forward to the days ahead, my excitement continues to grow. I am eager to meet more of the staff, parents, and students who make our district such a special place. Building relationships, understanding needs, and working together towards our collective goals are what I am most looking forward to.

Here’s to the start of an incredible journey at River Edge. Thank you to everyone who has made my first day unforgettable. Let’s make great things happen together!

I am honored and humbled to announce my appointment as the Interim Superintendent for the River Edge School District, effective this evening. This photograph, featuring the commemorative plaque, was captured to mark this significant milestone. The plaque symbolizes the legacy and the values we strive to uphold within our community.

Erika, a cherished friend and colleague, left an indelible mark on all of us. Her dedication and spirit continue to inspire my journey ahead.

As I step into this role, my commitment is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, support the growth and well-being of our staff, and contribute positively to the River Edge community at large. I am eager to embrace this opportunity with an open heart and a steadfast resolve to enhance our district’s legacy of excellence.

Let us move forward together with a shared vision of nurturing a thriving and inclusive educational environment for every child under our care.

Dr. Murphy, Overcoming Thought Traps

In my journey as a former superintendent, I’ve witnessed firsthand the daily challenges that educational leaders face. Negative self-talk or ‘thought traps’ can be one of the most insidious, silently eroding confidence and hindering effective leadership. That’s why I firmly believe in the paramount importance of providing intentional professional development focused on overcoming these mental barriers.

Why Focus on Thought Traps?

Educational administrators operate in high-stakes, high-stress environments that demand constant decision-making, adaptability, and visionary leadership. In such settings, negative self-talk isn’t just about personal struggle; it directly impacts team morale, student outcomes, and the overall health of our educational institutions.

The Power of Intentional Professional Development:

  1. Self-Awareness: Helps leaders recognize their thought patterns, distinguishing constructive self-criticism from destructive self-talk.
  2. Resilience Building: Equips leaders with strategies to bounce back from setbacks, fostering a culture of resilience that trickles down to every educator and student.
  3. Enhanced Decision-Making: Clearer, more positive thinking leads to better decision-making, which is crucial in the fast-paced world of education administration.
  4. Empowerment: Empowered leaders empower others. Leaders set a powerful example for their teams by overcoming their own thought traps.

Call to Action:

As educational leaders, we owe it to ourselves, our teams, and our students to engage in professional development that enhances our skills and fortifies our mental and emotional well-being. Let’s commit to breaking free from the thought traps that hold us back. Let’s lead with clarity, positivity, and resilience.

To all my fellow administrators and educational leaders, let’s make intentional professional development a priority. Let’s transform our schools into thriving environments where positive mindsets lead the way.

Dr. Murphy, Spoiler Alert

Administrators and BOE Members, listen up! 📢 Too often, teachers are caught up in the whirlwind of deciding what to teach rather than focusing on their students’ needs. The culprit? Many districts lack a guaranteed and viable curriculum, leaving educators scrambling to fill the gap. Teachers should not spend valuable hours scouring the internet for lesson plans and assessments!

Spoiler Alert: A curriculum is not merely a checklist of standards or a sequence of topics—it is a strategic roadmap designed to ensure understanding of what is being taught.  

Enter districts like Westfield. They understand the importance of investing in one of their greatest assets—their teachers. They believe in the educators and empower them to design the curriculum that prepares their students for their future and success. Let us prioritize what truly matters: equipping our educators with the tools they need to make a lasting impact in the classroom.

Dr. Matthew Murphy, Connections

In light of recent reports from New Jersey highlighting a concerning rise in hate crimes and bullying incidents in schools, it’s more crucial than ever to foster positive and inclusive educational environments. At Robin, they believe in the power of connections to enhance learning experiences and build a culture of respect and understanding among students. Integrating their approach could be a vital step towards combating these challenges, ensuring every student feels safe, valued, and connected. Join them in making a difference. Learn more about our mission at Robin – https://www.my-robin.com/. #Education#ConnectionsMatter#Robin#MakeADifference

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Dr. Matthew Murphy, Teaching for Understanding

As a former teacher, principal, director of curriculum, and superintendent, and now an educational consultant working with districts on this endeavor, I’m deeply invested in elevating educational outcomes. One of my passions is helping districts develop a coherent, viable curriculum and, most importantly, aimed at teaching for understanding. This approach is essential as we strive to cover material and create a learning journey that empowers students to connect and apply their knowledge meaningfully.

Achieving a coherent curriculum means ensuring a seamless learning progression where each concept is interconnected. When paired with viability, which emphasizes covering essential content within realistic timeframes, we pave the way for impactful education that resonates with students long after they leave the classroom.

Echoing Tony Wagner’s sentiment, “What matters most is not what you know, but rather what you can do with what you know” underscores our ultimate goal. It’s about empowering students to use their understanding innovatively and thoughtfully across various challenges and opportunities.

This curriculum transformation journey is not just about adjusting content but fundamentally rethinking how we teach to foster a deeper understanding and practical application of knowledge. As we collaborate with districts on this critical work, we invite you to join us in preparing students for a future where they are knowledgeable and adept at navigating and shaping the world around them.

hashtag#TeachingForUnderstanding hashtag#EducationalTransformation hashtag#FutureReady

Dr. Matthew Murphy, DEI Resources for Educators

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have been a large part of the conversation for school communities these past several years. School leaders have been given the responsibility of navigating these challenging waters oftentimes with no guidance. Robin has developed an excellent resource for educators – Five Principles for Effective DEI Discussions to help with having difficult yet imperative conversations with faculty to establish a deeper sense of safety, empathy, and community.