Michelle Murtha Teaches Students to Believe in Themselves

In Michelle Murtha’s classroom, the message is clear:

You matter. You can do anything. I believe in you.

It’s more than a poster on the wall. It’s a belief that shapes how she teaches, how she connects with students, and how she builds relationships that extend far beyond the classroom.

Each summer, Murtha writes a personalized, handwritten postcard to every student she taught the year before – a small but powerful reminder that they matter, that they are not forgotten, and that someone is always in their corner.

For many students, it’s more than a postcard.

It’s proof that someone still believes in them.

That combination of care, commitment, and impact is why NEARI has named Murtha, a special educator at Portsmouth High School, the 2027 NEARI Teaching Excellence Award recipient.

Murtha, a veteran educator with more than 25 years of experience, teaches in the school’s Therapeutic Academic Program (TAP), where she supports students facing significant academic and social-emotional challenges. Through high-quality instruction, social-emotional learning, and strong relationship building, she helps students re-engage in school and rebuild confidence in themselves.

Her impact is both measurable and deeply personal.

One student entered the program resistant and disengaged, convinced that school simply wasn’t for her. Murtha met that resistance with consistency and care – checking in, listening without judgement, and reminding the student they were working through it together. Over time, the student’s attendance improved, her behavior stabilized, and she began to engage in her learning – ultimately passing her classes and building a path forward.

Stories like that are not the exception – they are the result of Murtha’s approach.

“Michelle Murtha represents the very best of Rhode Island’s public school educators,” said NEARI President Val Lawson. “She meets students where they are, believes in them even when they may not believe in themselves, and helps them find their way to success.”

Murtha prioritizes creating learning environments where students feel safe, respected, and valued. She believes trust is foundational to learning and works intentionally to build meaningful relationships not only with students, but with families as well.

“I see families as essential partners in their child’s success,” Murtha said. “At the beginning of the year, I establish contact through welcome letters, emails, and family surveys to learn about their child’s strengths, interests, and home cultures. I maintain regular communication through messaging platforms, emails, and phone calls, not only when concerns arise, but also to celebrate student growth and accomplishments.”

Colleagues describe Murtha as a compassionate and highly skilled educator whose impact is felt across her entire school community.

“Michelle ensures that students receive the support they need while helping teachers implement accommodations effectively. Her calm, solutions-focused approach makes her an invaluable member of our school community,” said Nathaniel Perry, a colleague for more than 20 years. “I am grateful to work alongside her.”

Murtha is also a leader among her peers, serving in multiple leadership roles with NEA Portsmouth, including building representative, vice president, and secretary.

“I have watched Michelle advocate, collaborate, and bridge communication between administration and NEA Portsmouth members,” said school counselor Melissa Belotti-Stien. “She has fostered positive relationships with teachers and administrators, and she is deeply respected within the union community.”

A National Board Certified Teacher with advanced training in autism education, Murtha has also led professional development and shared strategies for inclusive, student-centered teaching, helping to support educators across her district.

Murtha was evaluated and selected from a competitive pool of applicants by a committee of NEARI officers and members. As part of this honor, she will travel to Washington, D.C. in February 2027 to be recognized at the NEA Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Gala, alongside outstanding educators from across the country.

For Murtha, the recognition reflects a belief that guides her work every day:

“I am not only teaching academic material, but also modeling values of respect, fairness, and empathy,” Murtha said. “I create a learning environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed and thrive. The result of these efforts is a classroom community that is more engaged, empathetic, and socially responsible. This approach not only enhances the learning experience but also prepares students to navigate and contribute positively to a diverse and complex world.”