FACULTY FRIDAYS—Sarah Daugherty
Faculty Spotlight on Sarah Daugherty
What did you think you wanted to do when you grew up? Where did you attend college (name your degrees) and what did you do before joining the faculty at HLS?
Many eons ago, I attended Kenwood Elementary School and Doss High School, both in Louisville, Kentucky. When I was in elementary school, I wanted to be a teacher. My dad was a high school history teacher and I was strongly influenced by his example. In high school, I wanted to be an attorney; I was motivated by visions of a high-profile, lucrative career in the corporate world (simultaneously vain and materialistic). I attended Centre College in Danville, Kentucky where I majored in psychology and biology. I finished college wanting to do several completely different things and paradoxically being unsure of my career options. I applied to six clinical psychology doctoral programs and six law schools. I was denied by five clinical psych programs, wait-listed at one, and accepted by all six law schools; hmmmm. I attended one semester of law school at the University of Houston, decided that fame and fortune were not for me (particularly if I had to work with attorneys), switched to the business school at UH, and earned a master’s degree in Human Resource Management. I spent 24 years working in human resources (oftentimes with attorneys, go figure) across a range of industries including aerospace, chemical, airline, and banking.
Is there are a particular moment or memory that stands out for you when you were a student?
My best student memories are from classes taught by professors and teachers who were passionate about teaching and about their subject; their enthusiasm was contagious and helped instill a love of learning in me.
What attracted you to HLS and what have you learned about yourself after working for this school? What inspires you?
I was first attracted to HLS by the curriculum and the classical model for education. I was seeking something better, more comprehensive, and intellectually stimulating for my children in a setting where expectations for students’ behavior were high (i.e. where students could actually learn and enjoy the learning process). My children have attended HLS for the past six years and I have had the joy of watching them grow not only intellectually, but in their character as well. I started teaching at HLS last year and immediately enjoyed the experience. My mind is flourishing in this intellectually engaging learning environment and I am challenged and energized by my students and by other HLS teachers to teach to the highest level of excellence possible for me.
What do you want HLS parents to know about you? What are your hobbies, interests, passions?
I enjoy reading, music, hiking in state and national parks and traveling.
What would you say to someone considering sending their children to HLS?
The classical Christian education model in use at HLS is, in my opinion, by far the best way to educate children. This model builds, year after year, in a meaningful, systematic way that is logical, intentional, and based upon true moral principles. Unlike progressive educational models that are influenced by a number of external factors (political, financial, etc.), HLS genuinely has the goal of producing well-educated, well-rounded students at its center. HLS graduates read, write, and speak at a high level and are able to represent themselves and Christ well in the ‘real world’. The traditional, structured environment allows students to flourish as they master each level of a subject over time, gradually equipping them to handle advanced material, reason at a complex level, and defend their faith in a meaningful, tactful way.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Now entering our seventh year as a family at HLS, my kids consider their classmates to be an extended family. Their closest friends are school friends; they are forming life-long, life-changing friendships--and they get to do this all while learning from the best material and most enthusiastic teachers on the planet. Wow, are we ever blessed and grateful!