I completed my undergraduate education in 2000 with a B.S. in Liberal Studies from CSU Hayward. In 2008–09, I returned to CSU East Bay to earn my M.S. in Educational Leadership and obtain my Tier I Administrative Credentials. I am grateful for the opportunity to teach at Creekside Middle School and look forward to working with your child this year to support their unique talents and interests!
When you walk into our classroom, one of the first things you’ll notice is the extensive spoon collection on display!
47+ Countries & Across the USA: This collection represents over 47 countries and nearly every state in the U.S.
A Student-Driven Tradition: Because I haven't traveled outside the 48 contiguous United States, almost every spoon in our room was donated by former students, families, and friends who traveled the globe and brought a piece of their journey back to our classroom!
Family Ties: Many special pieces were given to me by my younger brother, Dallas, who dances professionally with the Mark Morris Dance Group based in Brooklyn, NY.
If your family ever travels somewhere new, feel free to keep our classroom display in mind!
Alongside the spoons, our classroom is also home to a growing collection of Hot Wheels, Matchbox, and die-cast vehicles. I'm an avid collector always hunting for unique cars, and we bring this passion directly into school life!
Lunchtime Racing Club: I run the Creekside Racing Club, where students meet up monthly at lunch for drag races! It is a high-energy, fun way for students to build community, test out different cars, and compete for bragging rights.
Classroom Display: Students are always welcome to check out the collection in the room and talk shop about their favorite models and track setups.
Reading is my absolute favorite hobby, and I love sharing book recommendations with students!
Currently Reading:
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Football by Chuck Klosterman
The Silver Age of DC Comics by Paul Levitz
Read This Summer (2026):
Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
Next to Heaven by James Frey
The Whistler by Ann Patchett (Note: often listed as The Dutch House or Tom Lake by Patchett, or John Grisham's The Whistler!)
The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber
Never Die Easy: The Autobiography of Walter Payton by Don Yaeger & Walter Payton
The Golden Age of DC Comics & The Bronze Age of DC Comics by Paul Levitz
Other Favorites & Past Reads: Ratchetdemic by Dr. Christopher Emdin, The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese, Demon Copperhead, The Midnight Library, This Time Tomorrow, Restart, and Why Would I Lie?.
When I’m not reading, I’m a big local sports fan rooting for the Oakland A’s, 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and Cal Bears. I also enjoy catching movies at Chabot Cinema or Cinemark, and dining out at local spots like Southern Comfort Kitchen and Slice House!
San Jose Sharks "Reading is Cool" Program: This year, our class is participating in the Sharks Foundation's Reading is Cool program (running October through March). Students will track their reading minutes to earn cool rewards like bookmarks, certificates, medals, and even an MVP Reader Puck. Outstanding readers also have chances to be featured on the Sharks webpage, participate in Celebrity Story Hours, and get nominated for a special VIP game experience!
This year I look forward to working with your child and getting to know their interests and talents! I am grateful for the opportunity to teach at Creekside Middle School. I'll look forward to seeing you at school events and activities this year!
In partnership,
Mr. McMurray