(Photo by Annika Cline - KJZZ)

Agua Fria High School teacher Joshua Murray kept his promise to his students, and tattooed their names on himself after they received college scholarships

Arizona’s teacher shortage is a constant source of worry as the state moves to improve its overall education system.

Are the best teachers leaving Arizona, and the profession, behind?

One high-school instructor, in his third year, decided to do something unique to inspire his students to achieve at higher levels.

Joshua Murray teaches English and AVID classes at Agua Fria High School in Avondale. He told his students that if they were able to get at least $5,000 in scholarships toward college, he would tattoo their names near his left rib cage.

They did just that, and he followed through on the promise.

We talked with Murray about being a young teacher trying to inspire his students.