Upper School Math and Science Teacher
Upon stepping onto campus for the first time to teach the school’s ninth-grade biology class, Shawn Murphy was drawn to the Pine Cobble students; they were kind, aware, driven, and conscientious learners and people. This was a very different feel and vibe than the school climate he was accustomed to. Shawn was hooked! After finishing the year, he was hired full-time. During his twenty-five years on this beautiful campus, Shawn has not only taught science and math but also served as the school’s soccer, lacrosse, basketball, and first-ever ultimate frisbee coach. In addition, he once coached the field hockey team for one memorable tournament. Shawn also served as the school’s “tech guy” for nearly two decades and worked as dean of the Middle School for three years. Shawn met his future wife, Julie, a former French teacher at Pine Cobble, many years ago on this very campus. They also lived on campus when their first child, Gavin, was born. Gavin has since graduated from Pine Cobble School, and their second child, Kylie, is in sixth grade as of the 2023–24 school year. During his free time, Shawn helps run his family’s small beef-cattle farm in White Creek, New York; serves on the Board of Assessment Review for the Town of White Creek; is treasurer of the New York Simmental Association; and has been the 4H leader of the Washington County Junior Beef Club for nearly a decade.
B.S. Cornell University