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Science teacher Julia Murdock has advanced to the quarterfinals of the America’s Favorite Teacher contest after finishing first in her regional group during a week of voting.
Quarterfinal voting runs from April 27 through May 7. Murdock must take first place in her new group to reach the semifinals as the nationwide competition grows increasingly selective.
“You all helped me do that, and that was really lovely,” Murdock said. “I have to be first in my [quarterfinals] group to move up to semifinals, which has fewer groups. The further I go, the more competitive it gets.”
Murdock said last year’s contest began with about 90,000 teachers nationwide. She is currently third among 15 quarterfinalists in her group, with 1,500 groups of 15 teachers competing across the country.
The contest’s overall winner will receive $25,000 and a school visit from science educator Bill Nye.
Supporters can cast one free vote through Facebook each day or make donations to receive additional votes. Murdock, however, is discouraging students from spending money on her campaign.
“With the rents, groceries and gasoline prices right now, I feel very much against asking people to do that,” she said.
Some supporters have chosen to donate because Murdock hopes to establish a Marine Lab fund. She said students are enthusiastic about the contest and noted that casting a free daily vote takes only a moment.