Not your Average Math Teacher: Mr. Murray  

Written by: Kieran Roy

Edited by: Vanessa Vamvakaris

If you've ever taken Data Management or been part of the I-STEM program, there's a good chance you've met Mr. Murray. As the head of mathematics and original head of I-STEM, Mr. Murray brings experience and enthusiasm to his classroom.

Mr. Murray didn't always plan on being a teacher. “I wanted to be a voice actor, an astronaut, a baseball player, or even an accountant,” he said. However, with many teachers in his family, he eventually tried teaching and fell in love with it.

He studied math and economics at Lakehead University, where he completed a five-year double major, and earned his teaching degree from York University. Over 20+ years at Blakelock, he's built strong friendships with teachers like Mr. Stevens, Mr. Stainton, and Mr. Petz. Still, his biggest support system is his wife, three children, and extended family.

Outside the classroom, Mr. Murray has embarked on many adventures. He has gone swimming with whale sharks in the Gulf of Mexico, toured 11 European countries in 30 days, and even paraglided off Whistler Mountain. His next goal is to learn the guitar to accompany his singing. Additionally, if he could only listen to one album for the rest of his life, he would choose Hotel California by the Eagles.

One of his favorite teaching memories is when he promised bonus marks if every student in his class dressed as Star Wars characters for Halloween. "Every single one of the 35 kids dressed up… I was Darth Vader," he says.

Mr. Murray believes strongly in the new I-STEM program he has been teaching for 2 years now.  "It's a unique experience and very good for students.  They are learning how to solve open-ended problems, research, and collaborate with peers in a way that traditional courses don't often allow."

One piece of advice he shared for graduating students was "Effort and strong work habits matter.  The process is just as important as the product.  Be a self-starter!"