Dr. Robert Schachel

Professor of English;
Learning Support Communications Faculty Consultant

Hello, I'm Dr. Schachel.  


I love living in Orlando, and I am proud to be a part of the Valencia family.  I've been teaching here since 2007. 


Although I love literature, I have taught writing more than any other subject. Writing is always a part of any English class, and it is the backbone of human communication. I love helping people learn to do it well. I take a practical approach to teaching writing as a practical skill people find useful in whatever they choose to do with their careers. 

My academic interests are Nineteenth-Century American literature, the Gothic genre, psychoanalytic approaches to literature, and materiality of text and representation. However, I love spending time riding my Harley Davidson and camping out in Florida’s nature. That’s my bike. Her name is Lenore. 

I earned my BA in English from the University of Florida, my MA in English from the University of Virginia, and my Ph.D. in English from the University of Florida.  I have also studied at Trinity College Dublin, and I began my Ph.D. work at the University of Kentucky.  I have taught every level from 8th grade to University.  Over my twenty-year career, I have taught at three different high schools, two universities, and Valencia College.  I taught my first English class when I was seventeen years old (a lesson on F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Winter Dreams," on which I also gave a quiz).  I've made the study and teaching of English my life.  Every day I do my best to honor my mentors and earn confidence they placed in me. I do my best to pass on what they have taught me.  


I look forward to seeing you in my class. 




Contact

East Campus
Building 1, Room 325 (1-325)
407-582-2634
rschachel@valenciacollege.edu

Hours

Office Hours: 
PLEASE NOTE: Spring 2024 -- I am in my office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during office hours.  Also, you can reach me via email, and you can come talk with me over Zoom.
Please turn on your camera, it helps with communication (non-verbal facial expressions).  
I will also hold regular Zoom office hours on Mondays where you can come ask questions and get help.   
Monday: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm (Zoom)
Tuesday: 1:00pm - 2:15 pm (office, 1-325); 7:15 pm-8pm (Email)
Wednesday: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm (office, 1-325)
Thursday: 1:00pm - 2:15 pm (office, 1-325); 7:15 pm-8pm (Email)
Friday:  11 am-1:00 pm  (Email)
Zoom sessions are open office hour times when you can ask for help, clarification, etc.  They are not mandatory, and they are not live course lessons.  They are open office hours.  
I can also try to help you at odd times over zoom if you need it, however that requires scheduling an appointment with me via email.  

CARE Coach Sessions: Savannah Lebron Soto is my current CARE coach. Check Canvas for when her session times are.