Former Assistant Superintendent of Marblehead Public Schools Nan Murphy was hired as Superintendent of DPS in January following the retirement of her predecessor, Mike Welch. The Mirror recently sat down with the new chief to learn more about the person who will be running our school system.

Nan Murphy began her career in education as a paraprofessional. She eventually became a classroom teacher for 16 years before transitioning to an administrator, working as an assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent. “I’ve been, in one way or another, in everybody’s job,” Murphy tells us. 

She was inspired to apply for the opening superintendent position in Dedham when she became convinced that she could change our school system for the better and make connections with all of the teachers and students.

Murphy defines her greatest strength as being able to get along with people, seeing past everybody’s different opinions and still being able to see them as people with enlightening ideas. 

As far as DPS goes, she describes it as the perfect blend of students: "The student body is diverse, and it fits my skill set. I like being in a community that represents various cultures and backgrounds.” Murphy honed these skills while working as an administrator in Lowell, where she successfully helped transform their struggling school system. 

Professional accomplishments aside, she considers her daughters to be her greatest personal accomplishments. Her daughter, Grace, is a second grade teacher in Revere, while her daughter, Amelia, is a stylist in Boston. 

Murphy is most inspired by her parents. She describes her mother as a role model who always pushed her through the difficult times and taught her to never quit. She considers her dad to be her biggest cheerleader because of his unconditional love and support.

As the new school year begins, Murphy has high expectations of Dedham students. She expects them to work at their highest level and has no doubt that they will all succeed with a strong work ethic. In addition, she wants to encourage every student and teacher to be their best selves by bringing compassion and understanding to the challenges facing them in terms of citizenship. 

Murphy intends to continue building relationships with administrators, community members, parents, teachers, and local organizations. She also intends to listen closely to all of the things going well in our school system and focus hard on the aspects that need improvement. Perhaps most importantly, she aims to leave a lasting impact on the lives of Dedham students.