For more than a decade, students in the Region 16 School District have known Robert Murdy as more than just a teacher. Whether he is helping students develop life skills in applied technology classes, advising students through challenges, coaching the Timber Team, or simply offering encouragement in the hallway, Murdy has become a trusted mentor for students and the Woodland community.

Now, his dedication has been recognized with the honor of being named Region 16 Teacher of the Year.

Murdy’s journey to the classroom began as a student in Newtown High School. He describes himself as an average student who often went unnoticed in a large school environment.

“I was dead in the middle of the class,” Murdy recalls. “The students at the top and the students at the bottom got a lot of attention, and I was just kind of there.”

That experience helped shape his teaching philosophy. Today, he makes it a priority to connect with every student while paying special attention to those who may otherwise slip through the cracks. His desire to become a teacher stemmed from a simple goal: to make a positive difference in the world. Originally drawn to history, Murdy developed a passion for helping students understand how the past shapes the present.

“History explains why the world is the way it is today,” he says. “If you ask why something is happening, you’ll find the explanation in history.”

After earning his master’s degree and teaching certification, Murdy entered a highly competitive job market crowded with aspiring history teachers. His first opportunity came at a state-approved special education school serving students with significant emotional and psychiatric needs. For eight years, Murdy taught students facing challenges that ranged from schizophrenia to reactive attachment disorders and other complex diagnoses.

“It wasn’t my intended path,” said Murdy. “But it taught me an incredible amount about resilience and meeting students where they are.”

The experience profoundly influenced his approach to education and reinforced his belief that every student deserves patience, understanding, and support. When Murdy arrived at Woodland Regional High School, he immediately noticed something different.

“I’ve worked at several schools, and there’s something very special about this student body,” he said. “Students here are kind, understanding, friendly, and hardworking.”

Over his twelve years at Woodland, Murdy has taught history, psychology, freshman world history, and, more recently, applied technology. Four years ago, he made the transition to applied tech because he saw a growing need for technical skills worldwide. 

“Woodland is not a technical school,” he explained. “But it’s important to teach students skills they’ll use in the real world.”

Murdy’s commitment to students extends far beyond the classroom. Nearly 10 years ago, he founded Woodland’s Timber Team after a chance encounter at a local fall fair, where he watched students compete in timber sports. That inspired him to create an opportunity for students who might not be interested in traditional sports or clubs. At the time, timber sports were virtually unheard of in Connecticut.

“I was basically asking the school to let students throw axes at each other,” Murdy joked.

With the support of district leaders, Murdy demonstrated that the program could be safe, sustainable, and meaningful. Today, the Timber Team is entering its tenth season and competes against multiple teams throughout the state. The program has expanded beyond competition through Woodland Metal Works, the world’s only student-run axe company that allows students to develop manufacturing, business, and entrepreneurial skills. Proceeds from the produced axes are reinvested directly into the Timber Team and its programs.

Murdy believes his most important responsibility is to serve as a positive role model.

“Being friendly goes a long way,” he said. “Working hard, even when something isn’t your favorite thing to do, sets an example.”

That commitment is evident in Woodland’s advisory program, where Murdy has seen firsthand how meaningful relationships can transform students’ educational experiences.

“Whether everyone wants to be there at first or not, by the end they care about each other,” Murdy said. “Those connections are vital.”

He believes advisory provides a critical safety net, ensuring students build relationships with peers and adults who can support them through challenges. Without those connections, he says, some students could easily fall through the cracks.

Murdy speaks especially fondly of his advisory groups, affectionately known as “Le Murdy’s Morons.” During his own health journey, students rallied around him with unwavering support, demonstrating the strong bonds formed through the program.

“They supported each other, and they supported me,” he said. “It was amazing.” 

One of his advisees, Kiara Candelario, recognizes how much Murdy cares for his students.

“There are so many reasons to love Mr. Murdy. Just last week, I had sunburn on my shoulders, and he carried my backpack for me,” said Candelario. 

His impact is measured not only by what he teaches but by how he makes people feel. Through kindness, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in every student’s potential, he has built a legacy that extends well beyond the classroom walls. For Woodland students, however, he is simply “Murdy”: a teacher who sees them, believes in them, and challenges them to become the best versions of themselves.