My Journey to Finding Work-Life Balance with Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville

My name is Charley Richardt, and I’m a School Leadership Supervisor at Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville (TVAH). 

Before the pandemic, I was a traditional classroom teacher, navigating the daily hustle and bustle of commuting, managing classrooms, and staying late to complete tasks. However, in the fall of 2020, I had the incredible opportunity to transition to Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville as a math teacher. Looking back, it was the best decision I ever made. 

As a married mom of five with a small homestead, balancing my career and family responsibilities was challenging. Our two-acre plot is home to farm animals, a chicken coop, and a vegetable garden. We even trade goods with neighbors for things we can’t produce ourselves. The work-life balance provided by TVAH has been a game-changer, allowing me to spend more time doing all the things I love. 

Pre-COVID, my days were filled with long commutes, battling traffic, and late hours at school. Now, my mornings start with taking my kids to school, tending to our garden, and feeding the animals. By 8 a.m., I’m logged in and ready to teach, often from the comfort of my porch, rocking chair, and all. This setup allows me to make phone calls and build relationships with my students and their families in a serene environment. 

The flexibility of my lunch hour means I can have time for things that are important to me. This shift has also given me the time to start a small baking business, where I sell goods made from our homegrown produce. This balance has enriched my life in ways I never imagined possible. 

I was hired as a math teacher at Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville nearly four years ago, and since then, I’ve been promoted to the school’s administrative team. The transition to virtual teaching has allowed me to maintain my passion for education while achieving a harmonious work-life balance. 

Motherhood and homesteading come with their own list of daily chores that might seem overwhelming to some, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. This lifestyle, coupled with my role at TVAH, has brought a sense of fulfillment and peace. The ability to manage my professional and personal responsibilities seamlessly has been a blessing. 

If you love education but are seeking better work-life balance, I cannot recommend teaching in a virtual setting enough. The flexibility and freedom it offers have allowed me to thrive both as an educator and as a mom. My journey with TVAH has shown me that it’s possible to pursue your passion for teaching while enjoying a balanced, fulfilling life. 

To learn more about our team of educators at Texas Virtual Academy at Hallsville, please visit us at Meet Our Team!  

Charley is married to Greg with children Lyle, Allison, Seth, Wyatt, and Waylon ranging in ages from 18 to 2. She has 4 dogs, 3 cats, and a flock of chickens and ducks. Charley graduated from Tarleton State University with her undergraduate and Souther New Hampshire University with her Graduate the summer of 2024. She started at TVAH as a High School Algebra Teacher, then Content Captain, Lead Teacher, and is now an Assistant Principal for the 11^th Grade Campus.