ANDY DOUGHTY
BIO
Striving to Leave Things Better Than I Found Them
My name is Andy Doughty, and I moved to Dallas three years ago from Midland, TX. Being born and raised in Texas, and living here my whole life, has been a driving motivator to grow and expand my horizons even if it can't be geographically at this time. I refuse to stay stagnant in any facet on this road of self-actualization I call life.
Everything I do, and all of my passions stem from a creative space, even my health & fitness. My full-time career is as a high school English teacher and coach. However, I occupy what little bit of free time I do have with interior styling, event planning, photography, writing (including writing my first fictional novel), and am working on entering the realm of graphic design. Writing has always been a safe, comfortable blanket I could wrap myself in when the world felt dark, cold, and isolating. When I need direction or to express and rationalize the things around me, being able to write down my observations helps me become more self-aware as a human being. Much like running, writing is like breathing. I do it without being cognizant that all of these thoughts, feelings, and descriptions have been waiting there behind the pen or keyboard.
My passion for design came to me as a slow trickle of drops filling up a much-needed bucket. I didn't know I needed it until I started doing it. It didn't feel like a tangible skill. I didn't go to college to be an interior designer, so I had a severe case of imposter syndrome that kept me from dipping my toe in that deep ocean of possibilities. Finally, after other people started validating my style, the creative visions I could produce, and my ability to conceptualize designs for them, I realized that this was a skill that not everyone in the world has in their own toolboxes.
It is my goal to transition from the educational landscape and expand my skillset into sectors where creative freedom is encouraged and lauded, and creative growth is prioritized for members of an organization.
THE ETHOS OF TEACHING
Let's be honest here, teachers and coaches do not get enough credit for the transferable skills they possess based on their experiences on campuses and in classrooms. Here are a few examples of the types of keywords you might find on a job posting that encompass our jobs almost on a daily basis:
project management, content creation, technology aptitude, innovative designs, engaging presentations, curriculum development, communication directors, public relations expertise, course designer, content writer, technical writing, brand messaging, time management, logistical coordination, resource allocation, equity, brand management, recruitment, learning engagement, multi-tasking.
Those are simply a few of the buzzwords that come to mind when I think of what a teacher has to do in their roles & responsibilities. If you add coaching or sponsoring an extracurricular activity, we function as the leader of an entire organization and all of its moving parts including overseeing purchasing, budget, projects, games, tournaments, community relations, web design, data analysis and inputting, sponsorships, branding, social media content, content creation, graphic design, certifications and training, logistical coordination, maintaining and staffing facilities, technological requirements, scheduling, governing entities, adhering to rules and regulations, and creating a positive culture with purpose and vision.
Work Experience
2019 - Present
Lovejoy High School
English Teacher/Coach
2013 - 2019
Lee High School
English Teacher/Coach
