Jackson Murray

I was born in Upstate New York and spent most of my childhood there, moving between different towns and cities but primarily living in Schenectady. I completed all my primary and secondary schooling there before attending Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY, for my undergraduate degree. After college, I moved to Nashville, where I have lived ever since.

My name connects me deeply to both sides of my family. On my dad’s side, Murray ties me to my Irish and Scottish roots. On my mom’s side, Jackson holds special significance, as Jack was the name of her beloved uncle. A strong love for art and creative expression runs in my family, and my name even connects me—at least in spirit—to the famous Abstract Expressionist, Jackson Pollock, but only in the best ways.

Teaching runs in my family. My mom is a kindergarten teacher, my dad is a high school art teacher, and many of my relatives are educators—art teachers, primary school teachers, science teachers, and counselors. With that kind of influence, it felt only natural that I would be drawn to education.

During undergrad, I explored different aspects of education, from special education to behavior analysis. Now, I’m focused on gathering hands-on experience to deepen my understanding of teaching and learning.

At A New Leaf, I began as a preschool teacher for the Acacias at the Garden Campus. Each day, I had the privilege of working alongside an incredible group of educators and children. I especially love observing how children play, think, and navigate the world around them. My favorite activities at A New Leaf are hiking with my students and reading to them. I look forward to exploring projects on the farm with the students in second grade!

My biggest heroes are my parents and grandparents—GG and Poppy. Their guidance and encouragement have shaped me into who I am today. Thinking about my childhood and early adulthood reminds me of the kind of teacher I want to be—one who builds strong relationships, meets students where they are, and fosters a love of learning. My heroes have also taught me that growth never stops—no matter how old you are, there’s always something new to learn.

One of the biggest ways I’ve changed is in my willingness to take risks and step outside my comfort zone. Growing up, I often stuck to what felt familiar, but moving away for college helped me embrace adventure and new experiences. Moving to Nashville and becoming more independent has been a huge personal milestone for me.

I love watching baseball (Go Yankees!), creating art, thrifting for unique finds, and spending time with the people I love.

I express myself artistically through fine and digital art. Art has always been one of my favorite forms of communication, and I love using it to create personalized gifts for my friends and family. There’s something special about making art that reflects the relationships and shared joys of the people I care about.

My favorite meals are the ones made by my dad and my girlfriend—they’re both incredible cooks, and I always look forward to whatever they create. If I had to pick a few favorite dishes, I’d go with smashed potatoes, creamy tomato soup, and homemade pizza.

Orange has always been my favorite color. I love the warmth and brightness of its lighter shades and the depth and richness of its darker tones. Orange reminds me of summer, delicious food, and a certain vibrancy that I’ve always appreciated—even if I don’t necessarily wear it or own much of it.

I’d love to travel to Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize to explore my passion for Mesoamerican history. Ever since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by anthropology and archaeology, and I’d love the opportunity to experience the ancient cultures and architectural wonders of these regions firsthand.

Watching my students grow—both academically and socially—fuels my passion for teaching. Seeing them build confidence, develop relationships, and make meaningful progress is incredibly fulfilling. Their joy, curiosity, and energy make every day a new adventure, and I’m grateful to be part of their journey.