Teaching a special subject

Michael Murphy, a history teacher in Risco, Mo., is shown with student Kassidy Murphy (no relation), who finished second in a national History Day contest. [Click to enlarge]

On a late summer morning in 1988, "Mr. Murphy" as he is known by countless students and teachers, interviewed for a teaching position with the Risco public school system. After the interview. he walked around the school, drove around the community and on the way back to his residence in Dexter, Mo., told himself, "If they offer me the job I will accept, and I will be home." The call came that afternoon, and since that day, as Murphy recently stated, "Risco has been my home."

Now in his 22nd year, with two years until retirement, Murphy provides clear evidence of how one teacher can make a difference. As a teacher of history and social studies, he sought to expand academic opportunities for his students through the History Day program, initiating a new chapter in his life as well as in the history of Risco.

Today, Risco is recognized as "the History School," and for many, Murphy is "Mr. History Day." For 20 years he has provided opportunities for students to participate in regional, state and national competition. Participation has never been required in the program, but a high percentage of Risco students volunteer to be involved, with about 50 students a year engaged. Murphy provides advice and guidance, but the motivation comes from the students. And Risco students have never lacked motivation.

At the beginning of each school year, Murphy announces the theme of the History Day program for the year, and the question for students is not whether to participate but what to select for their project. For 16 years in a row Risco students have won more prizes at the district contest at Southeast Missouri State University than any other school. In all but one of the past 17 years, a Risco student has qualified for the national contest. Many have been winners, including Kassidy Murphy (no relation to Michael Murphy) who, as an eighth-grader, finished second in the nation in the 2009 contest.

Students qualify for the state contest by finishing first, second or third at the district, so many Risco students traditionally qualify and parents attend, that a caravan is formed. The "Risco parade" to Columbia, Mo., includes a bus to carry the students and teachers, a bus to carry projects and supplies and about 15 carloads of parents and friends. At Murphy's suggestion, the parade travels from Risco, in New Madrid County, to Columbia, sometimes by way of Springfield, Ill., so that students may tour the Lincoln Museum or by way of Independence, Mo., to tour the Truman home and museum.

Risco students who qualify for the national contest are the beneficiaries of a special "Murphy History Tour." Although a small school -- there are fewer than 200 students and 25 teachers in the entire system -- with a small budget, the administration and board of education provide the funds to cover the expenses of those who qualify for the national contest. There has never been a straight drive to College Park, Md., home of the national contest. With each trip the route changes to meet the interests and educational opportunities of the students: Gettysburg, Antietam, Monticello, Mount Vernon, Biltmore, Shanksville, numerous museums and the campuses of major universities are regularly identified for exploration.

Loyalty and respect for "Mr. Murphy" seems unparalleled, as is his loyalty to, and respect for, the students of Risco. He has had numerous opportunities to move to other positions with greater financial reward, but chooses to remain at Risco. The passion and enthusiasm he has generated for learning, and for Risco, is exceptional. He takes great pride in the fact that he can walk down the hallways of the Risco school and greet many teachers who once were in his classes, or who did a History Day project, and who have also come home to Risco.

Michael Murphy is an inspirational teacher, and clearly a special person.

@body_no_indent italics:Frank Nickell is the director of the Center for Regional History at Southeast Missouri State University. He studies the history of Southeast Missouri and the people in it. You can also hear his award winning program, "Almost Yesterday" at 7:49 a.m., Wednesdays on KRCU, 90.9 FM and KSEF, 88.9 FM, Farmington.