Ann Richards - Teaching

Teaching

Ann Richards had taught social studies and history at Fulmore Junior High School in Austin (1955–1956). She continued teaching in later years.

Richards 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.

She was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 1996, having lost ¾ inch in height and broken 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 authored I'm Not Slowing Down, with Dr. Richard U. Levine (M.D.), which describes her own battle with osteoporosis and offers guidance to others with the disease.

In a review of I'm Not Slowing Down by Steve Labinski, the book was described 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.

Reviewer Labinski also noted that in the mission to help women overcome osteoporosis, Ann Richards had created a useful, and often humorous, book that would inspire many.

In the fall of 2005, Ann Richards taught a class called "Women and Leadership" at the University of Texas at Austin: twenty-one female students were selected for that class.