February 16, 2025
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Alumna is NYS Teacher of the Year

Rachel Murat, MA ’00, was named the 2020 New York State Teacher of the Year by the state’s Education Department. Rachel Murat, MA ’00, was named the 2020 New York State Teacher of the Year by the state’s Education Department.
Rachel Murat, MA ’00, was named the 2020 New York State Teacher of the Year by the state’s Education Department.
2 minute read

Having taught for 24 years, one thing has remained constant for Rachel Murat, MA ’00: ensuring student success. She believes the term has more than one meaning.

“[Success] needs to be measured based on the student, because there’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to success,” Murat says. “We need to recognize all types of success, as well as the diverse talents that students have.”

Murat’s interest in social studies grew when she graduated from Ohio University with a degree in history and social studies. She later received her master’s degree in social sciences from Binghamton’s School of Education and Human Development, predecessor to the College of Community and Public Affairs.

“Binghamton provided me with a great education,” says Murat, who grew up in Hamburg, N.Y. “I was able to make connections that helped me propel forward. I’m glad I was able to get the quality of education I did at Binghamton.”

Now a social studies teacher at Maine-Endwell High School in Endwell, N.Y., Murat fosters teaching methods that provide not only an education, but emotional and social support.

“My style of teaching is student-centric,” she says. “It’s important to listen to the students about what’s working and what’s not working. I make sure they know that I’m there first for them as human beings and as learners second.”

In addition to teaching, Murat has founded several programs including the nonprofit food pantry M-EALS (Maine-Endwell Assisting Local Spartans). Her dedication has not gone unnoticed, as the state’s Education Department named her the 2020 New York State Teacher of the Year.

“I feel very humbled in the sense that I have the honor of representing the 200,000-plus teachers of New York,” she says. “This award is not about me. It’s about advocacy for education in the state of New York.”

Since schools closed in mid-March and learning went online, Murat has kept in touch with students through Zoom, Snapchat, Google Duo or the phone — even meeting in person (outside, using social distancing) if internet access was a problem for her students.

“It isn’t really for content or curriculum,” Murat says. “We’ve used the time to catch up and chat. It is important for me to touch base with my students to make sure they are OK, that their needs are being met and so that we can laugh together. I miss them so much and I can’t wait for us to get back to school!”

Posted in: In the World, CCPA