Brevard Public Schools  recognized Advanced Placement European History and AP World History, humanities teacher Kirk Murphy as Social Studies Teacher of the Year on Tuesday, ranking him above teachers from 16 other schools.

“We nominated [Kathy] Thayer at the middle school level and Mr. Murphy at the high school level,” Principal Rick Fleming said.  “The competition is based on a profile created, including Mr. Murphy’s sustained success of student test scores, what he teaches and what he has been involved in this year.”

At the next level, Murphy will be one of 67 teachers considered for the state award.

“I am very honored and also very surprised,” Murphy said. “Any time you get picked for an award from a school like this is great, and winning an award from the county is even better.”

“I believe Mr. Murphy deserves it wholeheartedly because he gives interesting lectures to inspire his students to learn,” sophomore Jeremy Gluck said. “I know I did.”