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Latrica Rich, Ph.D. is a 2025 graduate of the PhD Program in Leadership and Change at Antioch University.

Latrica Rich at her Dissertation Defense.

From L-R: Dr. Betty Overton Adkins, Committee Chair, Dr. Woden Teachout, Committee Member, Dr. Diane Richard-Allerdyce, Committee Member

Dissertation Committee

  • Betty Overton Adkins, PhD, Committee Chair
  • Diane Richard-Allerdyce, PhD, Committee Member
  • Woden Teachout, PhD, Committee Member

Keywords

equity, diversity, inclusion, culturally responsive practices, teachers' perceptions

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

Racial tensions are high in the United States of America in the 21st century, and hate crimes are on the rise due to political rhetoric and more frequent litigation. This situation challenges current approaches to diversity, equity, and inclusion, commonly known as (DEI). Although these tensions affect many societal areas, the public education system has seen particularly dramatic changes as the nation's diversity grows. This shift has invoked the first moves to adapt culturally relevant practices to promote inclusion and belonging in response to evolving classroom dynamics. This study examined some of the significant issues surrounding the implementation of cultural diversity programs in educational institutions and gave voice to classroom teachers through their perceptions of culturally responsive practices (CRP) in a Northwestern School District (NSD). As a pilot study, this research investigated teachers' attitudes and perceptions of two principles in Dr. Howard's framework, which is applied in NSD as a part of a district-wide equity initiative. The study surveyed 92 teachers and interviewed five teachers who completed district equity training. The findings demonstrated a positive shift in mental models and moderate use of the two CRPs selected for this study. The results supported perceptions of positive relationships, student engagement, and inclusion of all learners while using CRPs. Ultimately, the challenges with the variation in the depth of knowledge of the principles, limited time, a lack of effective strategies, and a reluctance to talk about issues concerning race impeded the success of the equity initiative. These findings underscore the critical need for ongoing, applied-focused training in teacher education to promote inclusive and effective teaching for all learners, advocating for a shift in policy and practice. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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Latrica Rich

ORCID: #0009-0005-3818-2326

Dr. Latrica Rich is a dedicated professional with a strong academic foundation in psychology and specialized training in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Walden University. She holds foundational degrees from the State University of New York at Oswego and Niagara University, building a robust expertise in school psychology. Additionally, she has advanced certifications in NLP coaching, True Colors facilitation, and professional grant writing.

Continuing her educational journey, Dr. Rich earned her Ph.D. from Antioch University's Graduate School of Leadership and Change, with a focus on education. Her dissertation, "The Influence of a Northwestern School District’s Equity and Inclusion Initiative on Classroom Teachers’ Perceptions Using Culturally Responsive Practices: A Pilot Study of Selected Principles," employs a mixed-method design that underscores the importance of culturally responsive teaching informed by critical race theory and deficit thinking theory.

With over two decades of experience in educational psychology, Dr. Rich has held various roles in her profession and community. As a former school psychologist, she emphasized strength-based learning and positive mental health for students and staff across all grade levels. She is known for her leadership in professional development and social-emotional learning (SEL) reform. She organized multicultural events and co-advised the Black Student Union. In organizational development, Dr. Rich served as Chief Operating Officer at EITA Inc., focusing on program evaluation, organizational improvement, and grant writing for youth leadership programs. She also collaborated with the local Marshal’s office, utilizing True Colors seminars to enhance the workplace climate and promote acceptance of diversity.

Dr. Rich has applied her coaching expertise at a women’s shelter and worked with the sheriff’s office to improve lethality assessments for domestic disputes. As the education chair and youth advisor for her local NAACP, she helped abolish corporal punishment in the local schools and organized rallies against police violence. Her voice was respected throughout the community as an advocate for social justice as a co-host on the radio podcast “Out of Order.”

Dedicated to enhancing educational outcomes and promoting social justice through strategic psychological practices and innovative solutions, Dr. Rich is committed to lifelong learning and development.

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