Dean D. Richards, IV

Dean Richards IV is an assistant teacher professor in the Department of Curriculum & Teaching and lecturer with the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies. He teaches courses in elementary methods, ethical and sociological foundations of education, multicultural education, and curriculum planning. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Kansas and MSE at the University of Central Missouri. Prior to his current position at KU, he was an assistant professor of education at Baker University for three years and a guest lecturer at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. His scholarly interests include teacher preparation, critical studies, and social studies education. Prior to teaching at the university level, he taught grades 4-8 in under-resourced urban public schools for 13 years. He maintains a strong passion for preparing educators and administrators to engage in democratic, culturally relevant, critically aware, and equitable teaching and leadership practices.