User:Student2323/Ann Richards

Richards taught social studies and history at Fulmore Junior High School (now Lively Middle School) in Austin (1954–1957). She continued teaching in later years.

Education was of extreme importance to Richards, especially when it came to solving crime and economic problems in Texas. In November, 1989, she held a campaign speech in Bryan, Texas where she spoke about Texas' criminal justice and economic system and the work that needed to be done to educate the people in order to create a sustainable environment. Richards put great emphasis on an investment in education to promote jobs in Texas' high technology fields and break its crime cycles, or else Texas would be in trouble.

She served at Brandeis University as the Fred and Rita Richman Distinguished Visiting Professor of Politics from 1997 to 1998. In 1998 she was elected as a trustee of Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts, she was reelected in 2004, and continued to hold the position until her death.

Richards was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 1996, having lost $3/4$ inch in height and breaking her hand and ankle. She changed her diet and lifestyle, and then her bone density stabilized. She spoke frequently about this experience, teaching or advocating a healthier lifestyle for women at risk of the disease. In 2004, she co-authored I'm Not Slowing Down, with the gynaecologist Richard U. Levine, which describes her own battle with osteoporosis and offers guidance to others with the disease.

In Steve Labinski's review, he described the book as inspiring women to fight the disease with various tactics, such as:


 * identifying factors that might increase vulnerability to osteoporosis including lack of estrogen, menopause, and usage of drugs related to caffeine, tobacco and alcohol;
 * emphasizing the impact of bone-density tests and explaining the process using Ann Richard's own bone test as an example;
 * supplying an extensive list of calcium-enriched foods which are beneficial, plus noting some foods to avoid;
 * listing everyday tips to improve muscle condition and prevent bone injuries.

In the fall of 2005, Richards taught a class called "Women and Leadership" at the University of Texas at Austin; 21 female students were selected for that class.

In 2007, Richards created a school for women called "the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders". The school's goal is to educate and empower young women, grades 6-12, while creating opportunities for them that may not have otherwise presented themselves. Serving for the Austin Independent School District, the public school began by welcoming 6th and 7th grade classes, adding an additional grade every year from 2007 to 2012. In January of 2021, the school moved into a new state-of-the-art facility. With Richards' vision, so many young women who came from disadvantaged backgrounds now had an opportunity and the confidence to pursue their college education and careers. Today, more than 900 students come together to create a community of women who share a desire to become someone great with thanks to the Austin Independent School District, the Dallas-based Young Women’s Preparatory Network (YWPN), and the Ann Richards School Foundation.