Triway’s Murray finds purpose, perspective in classroom
Darin Murray is in his 14th year of teaching in the Triway Local School District. He teaches the GenYES program at Triway High School and a leadership class at Triway Middle School.
Darin Murray didn’t always plan to be a teacher, but after 14 years with Triway Local Schools, he can’t imagine doing anything else.
Murray teaches the GenYES program to high school students and a leadership class to seventh-graders. While the curriculum may differ, his mission remains the same: helping students grow.
“There’s nothing like seeing a student grow in confidence and skill because of something you helped them discover,” he said.
Murray’s path to education wasn’t exactly traditional. Early in his career, he taught at a juvenile detention center. It was there he learned the value of building strong, positive relationships with students.
“It was incredibly rewarding to see how much of a difference that connection made in their lives,” Murray said.
That experience shaped his teaching philosophy — one that centers around empathy, encouragement and growth. Though he began teaching expecting to be the one imparting knowledge, he quickly realized how much his students would teach him in return.
“Their perspectives, creativity and resilience constantly inspire me and challenge me to grow as a teacher,” he said.
The most meaningful moments for Murray are when he crosses paths with former students who share how the leadership principles he taught have influenced their lives.
But teaching isn’t without its challenges. Hearing about a student facing hardship is never easy.
“It serves as a reminder for how important our role is beyond the classroom,” he said.
A graduate of Smithville High School and the University of Akron, Murray ran cross country and track during his school years — experiences that shaped his perseverance and teamwork skills, which he now brings to the classroom.
Outside of school Murray enjoys family time at the beach or hiking in the mountains. He also volunteers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol Auxiliary.
“Teacher Spotlight” is a feature on a local teacher.