Mrs. Richards
Shanna Richards, M.S.
Teacher/Reading Specialist
With 40+ years of experience in education, Mrs. Shanna Richards brings exceptional knowledge, a heart for Christian service, and a passion for helping every child succeed. She is dedicated to nurturing a love of learning while guiding students to grow academically, spiritually, and in Christlike character.
Mrs. Richards brings nearly five decades of educational experience to the classroom. A graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood Education, she later earned a Master of Science in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Reading from Fort Hays State University. Throughout her distinguished career, she has served as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, librarian, adjunct college instructor, curriculum developer, and educational program manager.
Her passion for helping students become confident readers has been a consistent theme throughout her career. Mrs. Richards has taught reading intervention, developed literacy curricula, managed statewide educational programs, and taught Children's Literature at the college level. Most recently, she served with the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), traveling across Kansas to administer the assessments known as "The Nation's Report Card."
Mrs. Richards has also combined her love of education with a heart for ministry and service. She and her husband, Dennis, spent two years teaching in Haiti, served on mission trips to Kenya, Ecuador, and Costa Rica, and have devoted much of their lives to serving others through their church and community.
Her Christian faith has been a guiding influence throughout her life and career. In recent months, she has found particular comfort in passages such as Exodus 33 and Psalm 91, which portray the Lord sheltering His people in the cleft of a rock and under the shadow of His wings. These images of God's protection and care continue to inspire and strengthen her faith.
When asked what she enjoys most about teaching, Mrs. Richards shared that she loves seeing the moment when "something you have been teaching suddenly catches fire and their eyes light up as they see how it all comes together." After more than 40 years in education, she says she still cannot imagine doing anything else.
Mrs. Richards and her husband have been married for 50 years and are the proud parents of two daughters and grandparents of two grandsons. Outside the classroom, she enjoys singing, playing the piano and organ, reading, knitting, participating in a prayer shawl ministry, playing in a bell choir, and acting in community theater. She is also an enthusiastic Kansas State Wildcats and Kansas City Chiefs fan.
What excites Mrs. Richards most about joining The Yutzy School is the opportunity to teach in a Christ-centered environment where faith, kindness, positivity, and a love of learning are encouraged every day. Her deep Christian faith, extensive experience, and genuine love for children make her a wonderful addition to The Yutzy School family.