Dr. Cassandra Richards

Upon entering the teaching profession in 1995, Dr. Cassandra Richards began her career as a “life-long learner.” Born in Springfield, Illinois, her family made several moves, making roots in Pomona. Dr. Richards attended private school where she excelled, passing the California High School Equivalency Exam while in the tenth grade. She graduated from Loma Linda University with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science.
After a career working in the Pharmacy at Southern California Edison in Rosemead, where her duties involved managing nine satellite healthcare clinics, her life took a turn towards education. After Southern California Edison dissolved their clinics, Cassandra was accepted into a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Program through California State University, Dominguez Hills. She has since received her Masters in Educational Administration, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
It was during her student teaching assignments, Cassandra quickly fell in love with Long Beach Unified School District, and never looked back! In 1999, Cassandra was assigned as a full-time Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA) Release Coach before moving into another position as an Instructional Coach while continuing to work closely with new teachers as a New Teacher Trainer. Throughout her career, Cassandra has worked as Principal Apprentice, Assistant Principal and Principal.
In 2017, Cassandra became an adjunct professor in the Teacher Education Department at California State University – Long Beach teaching several courses for multiple subject teaching credential candidates. As an adjunct professor, Cassandra has mentored numerous teaching candidates who are now making a positive impact as educators.
Cassandra has three lovely daughters and five wonderful grandchildren. She joined Alpha Delta Kappa – Zeta Chapter in 1998 and along with many responsibilities has made many contributions in education in the name of ADK. In recognition of Cassandra’s 25 years of membership and service, ADK-Zeta awards a scholarship in her name.

The College of Education (CED) expresses gratitude to all scholarship donors who continue to enhance the quality of education students experience at CSULB.