Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to student achievement and professional growth among educators, Mary E. Murphy Natoli has dedicated nearly 40 years to the field of education. Most recently, she served as a principal within the Elmont Union Free School District, where her leadership was instrumental in transforming the school into one of the district’s top-performing institutions. Upon accepting this position in 2012, Dr. Murphy Natoli recognized the need for collective effort and prioritized building a strong team of educators. She fostered an environment that encouraged continuous improvement, humility and open communication. Alongside these efforts, Dr. Murphy Natoli launched a student book club focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, addressing not only race but also special education and socioeconomic backgrounds. This initiative began with seven members and expanded to more than 35, reflecting her ability to inspire engagement and broaden staff members’ perspectives.
Throughout her tenure as principal, Dr. Murphy Natoli implemented innovative instructional practices tailored to the unique needs of her diverse student population. She championed small-group instruction to connect more effectively with students while simultaneously advocating for streamlined data collection processes to alleviate burdens on teachers. Dr. Murphy Natoli’s vision was rooted in creating meaningful instructional experiences every day, undeterred by external pressure or opinions. She considers directly engaging with students — learning their names, asking about their lives and studies, and building trust within the school community — to be her favorite aspect of her career.
Prior to her time with the Elmont Union Free School District, Dr. Murphy Natoli gained 10 years of experience as an assistant principal with the New York City Department of Education. In this capacity, she gained valuable experience managing both instructional programs and administrative operations in a large urban setting. Dr. Murphy Natoli’s responsibilities included supporting the professional development of teachers, overseeing curriculum implementation and addressing the challenges associated with serving a diverse student body. These experiences laid the foundation for her later success as a principal.
Dr. Murphy Natoli’s path through life has been profoundly influenced by her immigrant parents, whose emphasis on diligence and perseverance inspired her consistent pursuit of excellence. She also found support when she attended a private all-girls high school in Manhattan that nurtured both achievement and resilience.
As she has progressed through her professional journey, Dr. Murphy Natoli has been supported by her own extensive education, beginning with a Bachelor of Arts in history from Fordham University in 1988. She went on to complete her first Master of Science at Touro University, with a focus on administration and supervision. Dr. Murphy Natoli subsequently obtained a Master of Science in reading education from Brooklyn College. Determined to pursue continued learning opportunities, she earned a Doctor of Education in school leadership from St. John’s University in 2016.
In addition to her primary roles, Dr. Murphy Natoli has offered guidance as president of the Teachers Administrative Union, where she advocated for educators’ interests and professional standards within the industry. Celebrated for her contributions, she has been recognized with citations from members of Congress for her efforts to improve student test scores.
Beyond her career, Dr. Murphy Natoli is a caring mother to three children. She has remained actively involved in their lives by coaching a girls’ basketball team and volunteering as an organizer for Irish step-dancing activities participated in by one of her daughters. Dr. Murphy Natoli’s commitment to supporting children’s development extends beyond her own family and into every aspect of her work. In her free time, she enjoys playing golf and reading.
Although she stepped back from her position as principal of the Elmont Union Free School District in 2025, Dr. Murphy Natoli aims to return to the field of education in the near future. She hopes to find a role aligned with instructional coaching, with the goal of aiding administrators or teachers as they strive for the same excellence that she has prided herself on for decades. Dr. Murphy Natoli looks forward to carrying forward her reputation for leadership marked by perseverance, visibility and authenticity.