Meet Michael, Mandarin and English Teacher

March 7 was Employee Appreciation Day, but we’re celebrating our team members all month long by sharing their stories. Read more about Michael Murchison, a Mandarin and English teacher at the Spire School, part of Greenwich Education Group.

What is your favorite thing about working here?

My favorite thing about working here is the relationships I build with students and fellow staff. In a small therapeutic school, I get to know each student personally—their strengths, challenges, and what truly motivates them. Watching them grow and gain confidence, both academically and emotionally, is incredibly rewarding. Working with my fellow staff members in cross-curriculum projects and brainstorming on how to best address the needs of our students makes me feel much more connected to my community than I ever felt when working in large classrooms in public schools.

What keeps you coming to work each day?

The students, hands down. Every day is different, and while some days are more challenging than others, the progress reminds me why I do this work. Seeing a student take a step forward, whether it's mastering a new skill, advocating for themselves, or simply feeling safe and valued, makes it all worthwhile. I teach both Mandarin and English courses and feel driven to cultivate a passion for communication in every student I teach.

How do you make an impact on students’ lives?

Whether in Mandarin or English class, the content I provide holds increasingly potent relevance in a globalized world where communication is abundant. However, I provide not just academic instruction, but also emotional support and consistency. Many of our students have faced obstacles that made traditional schooling difficult. By creating a structured, nurturing, and patient environment, I help them rebuild trust in adults and in themselves. 

Which one of our BetterTogether values resonates with you most personally and why? (Integrity, Accountable, Collaborative, Inclusive, Supportive)

Integrity resonates with me the most because trust is at the core of everything we do in a therapeutic school setting. Many of our students have experienced instability in the past, so it’s essential that I show up for them consistently, follow through on my promises, and model honesty and accountability. Whether it’s admitting when I don’t have all the answers, holding firm boundaries with compassion, or encouraging students to take ownership of their actions, I strive to create an environment where integrity is the foundation for growth and meaningful relationships.

What does a “day in the life” look like for your role?

I usually teach five to seven classes 45 minutes in length per day. The school day has nine periods, including lunch. When I do have free periods, I often spend time in the Learning Lab– an area students utilize during their free periods–to work with students who need additional academic assistance or just want to check in. I work closely with counselors and support staff to address any challenges that arise; I usually check in with counselors many times per day. In class there are moments of deep engagement, moments of redirection, and everything in between. Every day requires patience, creativity, and a sense of humor!

Can you talk a little bit about your career trajectory and what led you to where you are now?

After completing my undergraduate degree, I began working in Chinese-English translation. I quickly realized that despite my passion for literary translation, I was more suited for academics. I started in a traditional classroom in New York City, but quickly realized I was drawn to working with students who needed a different kind of support. I eventually found my way to therapeutic education. This environment allows me to truly connect with students and make a difference beyond academics. The small classroom environment allows me to know my students far better than I ever could teaching thirty students at once and likewise makes the experience more meaningful.

What has been your proudest moment or accomplishment in your role?

There are too many considerations and accomplishments in my four years here at Spire to say there is one “proudest moment.” I would say that it is hard to not feel accomplished when I notice a student who once seemed too shy to speak to me in English is able to communicate in full sentences in Mandarin, but I can’t exactly point to one moment that supersedes others.

What is something about you that not many people know?

I have a beautiful Maine Coon cat named Blue.