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Academic Coaches

Bridges

Hello Kennedy Road Cougars,

My name is Courtney Bridges, and I am thrilled to join Kennedy Road Middle School as your new ELA and Social Studies Instructional Coach. My teaching philosophy is rooted in student-centered growth, collaborative leadership, and a steadfast commitment to continuous improvement—ensuring that every decision I make supports teacher development and student achievement.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Strayer University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Mercer University. This August, I will begin working on my Specialist Education degree to further enhance my leadership capacity. Additionally, I have earned a Coaching Endorsement through Griffin RESA and hold an Educational Leadership certification from the University of West Georgia.

Throughout my career, I’ve taught special needs Pre-K, 2nd grade, and 6th grade ELA, allowing me to develop a well-rounded understanding of student learning across multiple levels. I’ve also served in key leadership roles, including grade-level chair, mentor teacher, and coordinating teacher for preservice educators during their practicum experiences. I was honored to be named Carver Road Middle School’s 2024–2025 Teacher of the Year and selected as one of only six educators in Georgia to receive the GaLEADS Accomplished Teacher designation in its inaugural year.

When I’m not serving in my professional role, I enjoy spending time with my family. My family consists of my amazing husband, Jermaine, our son, Kaiden, and my two bonus kiddos, Dejerica and Amare. Much of our time is spent traveling to baseball practices and cheering Kaiden on at baseball tournaments. When we’re not at the ballfield, I love relaxing with a good book, baking cookies, browsing for great finds online, and making memories with family and friends.

I’m truly excited to begin this new chapter with the Kennedy Road community and look forward to supporting our teachers and students in achieving excellence together.

Murrah

Welcome! I am Dr. Brandee Murrah, the Math and Science Instructional Coach here at Kennedy Road Middle School. With a passion for fostering academic excellence and a commitment to nurturing a love for learning in both teachers and students, I am excited to be a part of the GSCS community.

About Me:

  • Educational Background: I hold a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Capella University. My educational journey has equipped me with a deep understanding of effective teaching methodologies and the latest advancements in math and science education.

  • Professional Experience: With 30 years of experience as an educator, I have taught various grade levels and subjects within the math and science disciplines in middle school and high school. My background includes classroom teaching, curriculum development, and teacher training.

  • Coaching Philosophy: I believe in a collaborative approach to professional development, where teachers are empowered to explore innovative instructional strategies and share best practices. My goal is to support educators in creating engaging, student-centered learning environments that inspire curiosity and critical thinking.

What I Do:

  • Professional Development: I design and facilitate PLCs, training sessions, and coaching cycles to help teachers enhance their instructional practices. By incorporating evidence-based strategies and hands-on activities, I aim to make professional learning both practical and impactful.

  • Classroom Support: I work alongside teachers in their classrooms, providing real-time feedback and modeling effective teaching techniques. Whether it's co-teaching a lesson or analyzing student data, I strive to be a resource and partner in the teaching process.

  • Curriculum and Instruction: I collaborate with teachers to develop and refine curriculum materials that align with state standards and district goals. My focus is on creating rigorous, relevant, and accessible content that meets the diverse needs of our students.

Why It Matters: The fields of math and science are ever-evolving, and it is crucial that our instructional practices keep pace. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, we can ensure that our students are not only meeting academic standards but are also prepared to excel in a complex, technology-driven world.

Contact Me: I am always here to support our amazing teachers and engage with our community. If you have any questions, ideas, or would like to collaborate, please feel free to reach out to me at brandee.murrah@gscs.org or 229-770-3760.

Together, let's inspire a love for math and science in every student at Kennedy Road Middle School!

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