Interview: Dr. Richard Hough

Alumni, Citizenship, Community

Dr. Hough has been with Newton’s Grove School for 25 years and we are proud to have him as an esteemed member of our community! 

We had the chance to ask him a few questions to learn about how he came to Newton’s Grove and hear some of his insights.

Q: How did you become a teacher at Newton’s Grove?

A: I had finished my Ph.D. and there were few jobs available at the time in academia. I was doing a post-graduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems, with an eye to making myself marketable in the private sector, and thought it would be a good idea to farm out some resumes to private school as well. Shortly thereafter, Newton’s Grove School called. That was 25 years ago.

Q: Within the field of education, staff turnover can be high. What is it about Newton’s Grove that has kept you with us for such a long period of time?

A:  I take pride in my personal growth, learning and passing on that knowledge to others. The joy when you see the children you have taught succeed in their own right, knowing that perhaps you had something to do with that … There is no other profession that offers that kind of reward! 

Q: Tell us something that you are grateful for this school year.

I am grateful to the school. Newton’s Grove was the school that hired me straight out of graduate school when the prospect of getting a job in academia was bleak. Perhaps they saw something in me, and knew, like I do now, that I was born to be a teacher – given my love for acquiring knowledge – and an exemplar. 

Q: What is your favourite subject to teach?

I don’t know if I have a favourite subject, but I do love to teach Economics, Philosophy and Psychology because all require thought and insight.

Q: What is your favourite subject to learn?

A: I don’t necessarily think about learning within specific subject areas. I just love to learn because from learning we gain perspective.

Q: You have been a mentor to so many students, as well as faculty. What do you think is the most important thing/lesson you want to impart?

A: There are many. One of my favourites that I always say at home is, “The world is not coming to you, you need to go to it.” Basically, what I mean is that if you want anything to happen for yourself, you have to show the initiative to get it.

Q: Tell us something that you are grateful for this school year.

I am mostly grateful to our Leadership Team. Without being obsequious, I am thankful for their humanity. They have shown themselves to be compassionate and I think I do best with people when I trust them and have faith in them. And I certainly do!

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