CHENOA MURPHY
Springfield
Summary
Dynamic education professional dedicated to fostering academic growth and personal development in students. Expertise in crafting engaging and effective lesson plans that align with educational standards while inspiring a love for learning. Proven ability to collaborate seamlessly with fellow educators and adapt to the evolving needs of the classroom environment. Core skills include curriculum design, classroom management, and comprehensive student assessment, ensuring a holistic approach to education.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Elementary Teacher, 4th Grade
Southern View Elementary School, Title I
Springfield, IL
07.2025 - Current
- Create and implement lessons aligned with Illinois State Standards, differentiated for diverse learners, including those with behavioral and academic needs.
- Communicate regularly with families and staff using multiple platforms to ensure transparency and strong partnerships.
- Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards, and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
- Fostered positive classroom culture through effective behavior management techniques and conflict resolution skills.
- Mentored new teachers by sharing best practices and providing guidance on curriculum implementation.
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay current with educational trends and teaching methodologies.
Virtual Instructor
Course Creator
Springfield, IL
03.2020 - Current
- Designed and delivered interactive online courses via Zoom, fostering discussion, collaboration, and a strong learning community.
- Developed engaging, culturally responsive curricula for diverse adult learners, including two courses on Classical Composers and Musicians and the Diversity from the Inside Out.
- Established partnerships with community organizations to enrich educational programs and resources available to students.
- Initiated new learning methods, eliminating instructional gaps and improving comprehension.
Permanent Substitute Teacher, 4th Grade
Iles Elementary Gifted Magnet School (IB World School)
Springfield, IL
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Facilitated inquiry-based learning where student curiosity guided instruction.
- Delivered lessons across subject areas while maintaining a structured and positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with staff on school improvement goals and professional development.
- Adapted quickly to classroom and schedule changes, supporting multiple grade levels as needed.
- Planned daily lesson activities aligned to 4th-grade standards, keeping classes on curriculum schedule.
Substitute Teacher (K–5)
Springfield Public Schools, District 186
Springfield, IL
01.2013 - 01.2023
- Taught across grade levels and content areas, maintaining classroom management and instructional continuity.
- Prepared substitute notes and printed materials each morning to maintain continuity for returning teachers.
- Led classroom routines and established clear expectations that reduced disruptions during instructional blocks.
- Applied de-escalation techniques with upset students to restore safety and resume learning quickly.
- Attended professional meetings, educational conferences or teacher training workshops to improve professional competence.
Private Violin & Viola Teacher
Springfield, IL
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Provided individual and group instruction for children and adults using Suzuki and traditional methods.
- Taught violin and viola techniques to students aged 6–18, improving sight-reading and tone quality.
- Integrated Suzuki and traditional methods into lesson plans to match individual learning styles and goals.
- Led virtual lessons via Zoom, adapting lesson materials and exercises for effective online instruction.
Education
M.A.T. - Elementary Education (Grades 1-6)
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL12-2024
Doctoral Studies - undefined
University of Iowa School of Music
Iowa City, IA06-2008
M.M. - Violin Performance
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
Cincinnati, OH06-1997
B.M. - Violin Performance
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
Cincinnati, OH01-1993
Skills
- Communication: Strong verbal, written, and presentation abilities
- Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and resolve issues effectively
- Teamwork: Collaboration with diverse groups to achieve goals
- Adaptability: Flexibility in dynamic work environments
- Leadership: Guiding teams to success through motivation and strategy
- Time Management: Prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines efficiently
- Conflict Resolution: Mediating disputes to find positive outcomes
- Creativity: Innovating new ideas or approaches to challenges
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
- Springfield Education Association (SEA) — 2025–2026
- Golden Apple Accelerator Affinity Group — 2023–2026
- Golden Apple Accelerators — 2023–2026
- Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society — 2024–Present
- Black Orchestral Network-2023-Present
Timeline
Elementary Teacher, 4th Grade
Southern View Elementary School, Title I
07.2025 - Current
Permanent Substitute Teacher, 4th Grade
Iles Elementary Gifted Magnet School (IB World School)
01.2024 - 05.2024
Virtual Instructor
Course Creator
03.2020 - Current
Private Violin & Viola Teacher
01.2015 - 01.2020
Substitute Teacher (K–5)
Springfield Public Schools, District 186
01.2013 - 01.2023
Doctoral Studies - undefined
University of Iowa School of Music
B.M. - Violin Performance
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
M.A.T. - Elementary Education (Grades 1-6)
Northern Illinois University
M.M. - Violin Performance
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music