As a visual art teacher at Maryvale Preparatory School, Marlena Murtagh inspires her students to capture life’s special moments through various media. On May 7, cameras captured the moment that Ms. Murtagh was awarded the Independent High School Teacher of the Year for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Dr. Donna Hargens, the Archdiocesan Superintendent of Catholic Schools, paid a surprise visit to Ms. Murtagh’s classroom to share the good news, much to the delight of her students and several special guests, including Maryvale President Malika DeLancey, Jennifer Nicholas, Head of the Upper School at Maryvale, and educational leaders from the archdiocese.
“Marlena has created courses that are widely popular with all students and even make Maryvale employees wish they could go back to high school,” said Mrs. Nicholas. She added that Ms. Murtagh “leads with compassion and empathy first and foremost, as a human and as a teacher. When you combine that with her sense of humor, brains, diligence, generosity and, of course, creativity, you can begin to understand what a wonderful human being she is.”
The Teacher of the Year recipients were selected by the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Teacher of the Year Committee, which included Department of Catholic Schools leadership and representatives from the Archdiocese of Baltimore School Board. Marlena Murtagh was selected from teachers nominated by principals of independent Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. The committee’s decision was based on each nominee’s demonstration of Catholic identity, innovative instruction, professionalism, and leadership.
“Marlena’s passion as a teacher is infectious,” said Dr. Hargens. “She inspires her students to see the world through a creative lens, and helps them to develop the courage and skills to tell their unique stories through their art.”
Marlena Murtagh is a visual art teacher at Maryvale, where she is celebrating her 10th year of inspiring young artists. At Maryvale, she teaches a diverse range of digital and studio art courses, including graphic design, photography, and AP 2D Design. Outside the classroom, Marlena is a passionate landscape painter and a dedicated artist in her own right. Marlena earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore in 2012. Prior to joining Maryvale, she taught in both Baltimore City and the Montgomery County School Districts, bringing a broad spectrum of experience to her current role.
“My students at Maryvale are unlike any others, and it’s such an honor to work with them,” said Ms. Murtagh. “My classroom is constantly full of laughter and creative thinking. Whether it’s a simple sketchbook assignment or an interior design project, the students are excited to be making artwork. Their kindness is contagious and their joy even more so.”
About Maryvale: Maryvale, a Catholic independent girls’ school serving grades six through 12, affiliated with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, provides an environment in which each student can reach her academic, spiritual, physical, and civic potential in a loving, supportive, and diverse community. Building upon its unique and special heritage, Maryvale’s mission is to provide an exceptional education that responds to change and prepares young women for life.
