Teacher Spotlight: Richard Daugherty

Meet Richard Daugherty, an online English teacher who works one-on-one with students at Village Virtual to strengthen their writing, reading, and thinking. We sat down with Richard to talk about the subject he loves, what individual attention makes possible, and the book he keeps coming back to.

What do you love about teaching English?

English is such an important subject. Being able to express yourself clearly and correctly is essential for anyone who wants to push ahead, especially in the professional world. I enjoy seeing students improve, and I am happy to be part of that. It is usually a gradual thing, and often where a student ends up is vastly different from where they started, even one who is already quite accomplished.

What do you love most about your role at Village Virtual?

The flexibility and the support I receive, and being able to work one-on-one with students. I enjoy the people I work with, both staff and students.

What might surprise people about teaching English one-on-one in a virtual setting?

Because it is one-on-one, the teacher and the student can be honest and frank with each other, without the peer pressure of a group. Working individually, a student can get more attention than they might otherwise receive in a traditional classroom.

Why do you think having an online learning option is so important to student success?

It accommodates students who, for whatever reason, need the kind of platform Village Virtual offers. It is a credible option, but students have to be willing to invest the interest and the time.

What is your favorite book, and why?

I have many favorites, but one I think about often is The Little Prince. It looks like a children's book, but it is really a powerful lesson about life, love, and discovering what really matters, both in our relationships and in our own lives.

Curious whether virtual learning could be the right fit for your student? Explore our courses to see what Village Virtual offers.