It will be with much sadness that many learn of the death of Edna Murphy as a result of a fall at home in East Greenwich, Rhode Island shortly before Christmas. Edna was a teacher and school head in France, the U.K., and finally Belgium—this was her last post, where she served for seven years as principal of the elementary division of the International School of Brussels. Edna also came to be well known to many across the wider field of international education, serving several terms on the Board of the Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS) and becoming an honorary life board member on retiring. Throughout her career, Edna’s primary concern was the unique professional challenge faced by the international school in providing the best possible learning experience for a linguistically and culturally diverse student community, particularly in early childhood. Although she edited two collections of essays—ESL: A Handbook for Teachers and Administrators in International Schools (1990), and Welcoming Diversity in Early Childhood Classrooms: Learning from International Schools (2011)—her major contribution was creating, and for many years editing, the International Schools Journal to serve as a professional forum for an exchange of ideas and practice among those at the working level. Edna’s work in the ECIS school accreditation program took her around the world to Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and throughout Europe, where she met and worked with hundreds of school staff and made many friends. Her loss will be deeply felt by the many teachers and administrators who came to know her as a mentor and leader devoted to the mission of international education, but also as a supportive and positive colleague and warm friend. Jim Murphy can be reached at: [email protected]
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23-May-19 - John Curtis
I knew Edna as a genuine professional in the best sense of the word. I was honored when she asked me to sub for her as editor of. The International Schools Journal for two issues while she was off on another project. She belongs in International Schools Hall of Fame!
John Curtis
Former Director of The English- Speaking School of Bern, The commonwealth-American School of Lausanne andThe Winter Term in Lenk, Switzerland.
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