Richard is a veteran educator whose 37-year career with the Los Angeles Unified School District reflects an extraordinary dedication to student growth and academic excellence. Over the decades, he has served in multiple capacities—high school English and Social Studies teacher, speech instructor, reading coordinator, counselor, dean, and librarian—each role underscoring his holistic approach to education and his deep belief in the transformative power of language.

Richard holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Occidental College and two master’s degrees in education, one from Occidental College and another from California State University, Los Angeles. His academic foundation, coupled with his expansive career in education, positions him as a respected authority in communication, cultural literacy, and student development.

A seasoned traveler who has explored all 50 U.S. states, Richard brings a broad, real-world perspective into the classroom. His lessons integrate grammar, storytelling, social commentary, and etiquette, emphasizing that language is more than mechanics—it is a vehicle for identity, empathy, and connection. His instructional style is both intellectually rigorous and personally enriching, aimed at helping students develop clarity in thought, precision in writing, and civility in expression.

Richard’s warm humor, thoughtful mentorship, and emphasis on character create a classroom atmosphere where students feel respected and challenged. He is especially skilled at coaching learners in persuasive writing, guiding discussions on current events and ethics, and cultivating habits of respectful communication—qualities that prepare students not only for academic success, but for life beyond the classroom.

In every interaction, Richard Blake models what he teaches: that language, used with care and purpose, has the power to elevate individuals and unite communities.