“The PRAXIS program is my biggest passion at ISKL. Teaching in the program is always exciting because the learning that students do in each subject doesn’t just end with an assessment. Instead, their learning is a vehicle that students need to use to show a better understanding of their world. ”

Meet HS English teacher and PRAXIS Program Coordinator Ryan Murfield, who brings a passion for teaching, collaboration, and lifelong learning to ISKL. Originally from South Dakota, Ryan taught in Ukraine, the USA, and South Korea before moving to Kuala Lumpur in 2020.

Ryan motivates students to discover their world through reading and writing while directing the transformative PRAXIS program. Outside the classroom, he is a musician, a traveler, and a lifelong learner, always ready to embrace new challenges and experiences.

Here is Ryan’s story:

Please tell us more about yourself.

I was born in South Dakota, USA.

After university, I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Ukraine. There, I learned to speak Ukrainian and lived in a small town, teaching English at a local school. I also helped organize events promoting leadership and for young people in the region. In Ukraine, I met my wife, Courtney, who was also a Peace Corps volunteer. After Ukraine, I taught in the USA and then in Seoul, South Korea, before moving to Kuala Lumpur.

When and why did you join ISKL?

I joined ISKL in the fall of 2020. After visiting a couple of times and really enjoying the sites and culture, I was looking forward to moving to Malaysia. I was excited to join ISKL because it has an outstanding reputation as an international school.

Can you tell us more about your position as an HS English teacher? What are your daily activities?

I continue to be passionate about being able to teach students to explore their world through reading and writing. I get to spend the day guiding students to meaningful reading experiences and helping students better express themselves through writing.

Can you tell us something you are working on now that you are excited about?

The PRAXIS program is my biggest passion at ISKL. Teaching in the program is always exciting because the learning that students do in each subject doesn’t just end with an assessment; Instead, their learning is a vehicle that students need to use to show a better understanding of their world.

I really enjoy collaborating with teachers of subjects other than my own because I am able to learn about all kinds of new things. I also feel that the learning and ideas that each individual department is working on funnels into our PRAXIS planning.

Can you tell us more about your hobbies and interests? What do you do after work?

I spend a lot of time outside of school playing music. I play the banjo and dobro and am learning to play the pedal steel. There is always so much to learn in music. Sometimes, it is humbling, but it energizes me to learn and to make connections with the music I love. Music has always been a way for me to socialize and meet other people. I have a band, Fox & Hound, with other ISKL teachers.

I also really like to travel (my wife is the best travel planner!) and we are having a great time exploring Asia and other parts of the world.

Who or what inspires you?

I find inspiration in learning new things and am always fascinated by what a human mind and body can do with guidance and practice.

I took surfing lessons over the break, and they made me think about the challenges and rewards of being a learner. Each time I fell, I could reflect on how I did or use feedback from my teacher. Eventually, I was riding waves! I think that being a learner helps me to be a better educator.

What is your best memory (or most memorable moment) so far working at ISKL?

I feel like there is a little bit of magic in the air each time the PRAXIS program has a celebration of learning. We present students with challenging projects and then ask them to present their work to community members (including peers, parents, and other teachers!) Before each celebration of learning I can see a variety of ways that students are being challenged—either as collaborators or as innovators or as presenters—and each time students rise to the occasion. They do things that are beyond what I thought they would do at the start of the project. It is really cool seeing how learners rise to the occasion when they have the right amount of support and incentive.

What does “Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world” mean to you?

Our world becomes better when individuals have the opportunity to better themselves and help those around them.

Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff who always have an anecdote to tell, love to share some insights into their passions and interest, or simply is a Panther through and through? Nominate them to be featured in our Panthers of ISKL stories by sending in your submissions here.