Dr. Catherine Murray Joins Friends Select as Director of Upper School
Dr. Catherine Murray will join Friends Select as the new director of upper school, beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. |
She will succeed Chris Singler P’20, ’22, ’27, who served as the director of upper school for a decade, and will become the next head of school at Friends Seminary. Catherine most recently served as the assistant director of upper school at William Penn Charter School, where she also taught social studies courses, including Advanced Studies: Modern American History, Advanced Placement: United States History, and Evolution of the Global World. Prior to Penn Charter, Catherine taught social studies for 13 years at Harriton High School, where she also served as the director of the school’s POWER Scholars Program and their Day of Service. Additionally, Catherine has taught as an adjunct history instructor at Temple University and Ursinus College. |
Having deepened her experience at Penn Charter, Catherine felt the timing was right to further her professional growth. She was drawn to respond to the job opening due to her familiarity with Friends Select as a leader in Quaker education in Philadelphia. “As a lifelong Philadelphian, I have always known of Friends Select, and when I saw the posting, I immediately applied,” Catherine said.
Having worked with student leaders and overseen the Certificate and Independent Studies program at Penn Charter, Catherine has been dedicated to amplifying student voice and agency, and is eager to continue doing so at Friends Select. She also identifies her supervision of the Certificate of Environmental Sustainability and Stewardship at her previous institution as a support to Friends Select’s goal to serve as a model for urban environmental sustainability. “Friends Select is a thriving community, and I am fortunate to join when so many exciting things are already in place: expanding an updated infrastructure, growing the student body, a commitment to STEAM, and a mission that centers stewardship of the city I love.”
Catherine’s educational philosophy prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, as well as a student-centered approach to learning. With over 23 years of experience in education, including the secondary and higher education levels, Catherine feels her service in Quaker education has been most impactful. “The Quaker testimonies have grounded me as an educator. This is my North Star and helps me to think about curriculum design as well as my leadership style,” she said. “Seeing ‘that of God in everyone’ guides every interaction I have with students, families, faculty, and staff, as well as community partners.”
Ultimately, building relationships with students remains at the core of Catherine’s work, and her hope is that they will see her as a partner who is eager to work and learn alongside them. “The beauty of an independent school is the flexibility we have to leverage the expertise of faculty and allow our students to test an idea or innovation,” said Catherine. “Through continuous revelation, students should grow, each year testing themselves, challenging themselves, and evolving into young adults who are ready to make an impact on this world.”
