Since joining the district as a substitute bus attendant in 2019, Coleen Murray has remained true to the core values of Cuyahoga Heights Schools: helping students to create meaningful, engaging learning experiences.
Now a student attendant in the Resource Room at the Cuyahoga Heights Middle School (CHMS) and High School (CHHS), she has worked closely with a student for the past five years, keeping her safe and helping to meet her needs. She also assists the other students with academics, daily life skills, artwork, and by just lending an ear. “Basically mom stuff,” Murray proudly states. Her exceptional dedication to these convictions, cast Murray into the Staff Spotlight for the month of April 2025.
“Coleen is a very kind and nurturing person who genuinely cares about the well-being of everyone around her, both students and staff alike,” said Megan Schwab about Murray’s commitment to Cuyahoga Heights Schools. “She provides a level of support and care to our students equal to that of what she would provide to her own children.”
“She is among the kindest individuals in the district, bringing positive energy and a supportive presence to every interaction with students and colleagues alike,” said Dr, Brian Friedt, Multi-tiered Systems of Support/Transition Specialist who nominated Murray for this month’s award. “She is a role model and a source of inspiration within our school community.”
Over the years, Murray has built a reputation for building positive relationships with her students and helping them to create meaningful, engaging learning experiences. One example of her exceptional commitment was the impressive and innovative work produced by students in Chad Robinson’s Environmental Science class this school year. “This exemplifies the power of collaboration in creating impactful educational opportunities for students and is a reflection of her ability to foster curiosity, collaboration, and high-level learning in a challenging subject area,” noted Friedt.
“I love being with the kids, listening to all of the fun stories they have to share about their lives, and watching them grow into young adults,” said Murray. “Seeing their happy faces warms my heart.” She is always astounded by the students’ willingness to lend a helping hand to one another. “Whether it's a computer question or just a kind gesture, their friendliness and kindness goes a long way to helping our students in Room 308 to be successful,” she stated. Toward that end, Murray daily reminds her students that "Team work makes the dream work", as a way of motivating them to press on.
Prior to joining Cuyahoga Heights Schools, Murray worked in the title business for close to 25 years. In her spare time, she enjoys flower gardening, going to the water park with her family, listening to Bob Seger and Michael Stanley, and spending time in her kitchen cooking. Curiously, she also spells her first name with only one letter “l” even though the preferred spelling is with two.
Family is central to Murray’s life. A resident of Brooklyn Heights for 26 years, she has two sons: Kyle, who graduated in 2010 and Garrett, who is currently in the 7th grade. As for pets, “we currently have a school of fish that just keeps multiplying!” she exclaims. The Murrays also have a nine-year-old Bichon Cocker dog named Toasty TTT.
“CHS is a great place to work. I'm thankful for the opportunity to be here in this close-knit community of staff and students,” Murray concluded.
Pictured: Brian Friedt (left) who nominated Coleen Murray (right) for the April Staff Spotlight.