WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Nancy Murphy teaches fifth grade language arts and social studies at Brigham Academy. She loves being in the classroom motivating her students.

“Some of them work very hard because they want to make me proud and that makes me very happy because I think I’m kind of building that work ethic with some of them that they’re going to need in life,” said Murphy.

She’s a perfect example of where hard work can take you. In addition to teaching fifth graders, she’s working towards her doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction. Murphy is also an adjunct professor at Polk State College. 

“I am working with my future colleagues and so I do my very best to show them exactly what’s needed to be a successful teacher because they could be my partner next year, who knows,” said Murphy.

Murphy also runs a cookie business on the side. She is an inspiration to her daughter who became a teacher because of her and nominated Murphy to be an A+ Teacher.

“I am one of the first people in my family to go to college and to know that my children have kind of followed in my footsteps and saw education as a path to success, it makes my heart burst,” said Murphy.

She works each day to help her students be successful, find their passion and pursue it. Murphy remembers a fifth-grade teacher who did the same for her.

“She made our classroom a warm, cozy environment. She made us love learning. I don’t necessarily remember her teaching us math and science and social studies, but I remember how she made me feel and I want to be able to do for my students what she did for me,” said Murphy.