Richard M. Cash, Ed.D. Biography

Richard M. Cash, Ed.D., did not begin his career in education, even though he comes from a long family history of educators. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and hoped to pursue either an advanced degree in acting or theater management. The desire to no longer live off of student loans lead him to retail management and buying positions with major department stores in the Midwest. Unfulfilled by the field of retail, Richard decided to redirect his career. Encouraged by several educators around him, he decided to attend the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis, where he received a Post-Baccalaureate degree in Elementary Education.

To read a recent publication by Dr. Cash, download a PDF version of Understanding the Brain: Enhanced Learning for All! Acrobat Reader is required.

His first teaching position in a Magnet School for Gifted Children, grades 1-6, in St. Paul, Minnesota, allowed him to use his talents as an actor and director. He created learning spaces that were rich in artistry, music, theater, and dance. Richard, having experienced his own creative spirit quieted as a child, vowed never to allow that to happen to children in his care.

At the same time he was beginning his teaching career, Richard co-developed a children's theater company in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. The theater company provided year round classes to children in kindergarten through 12th grade in creative dramatics and acting techniques. During the summer the students were given the opportunity to immerse themselves in a complete theatrical experience, which included putting on a full performance production. Children were involved in all aspects of the production process: lighting, sound, direction, set/costume design and construction, make-up, marketing and theater management, as well as performance.

Not satisfied with scripts available to child actors, Richard and his co-director wrote scripts incorporating the classics without "dumbing-down" the content. They created five lively scripts for as many as 30 on-stage actors. One script, Commedia Del Delight, won Columbia Entertainment Company's Outstanding Children's Play award for 1998. Richard has always felt that children can understand complex ideas when given the proper foundation.

Wanting to engage in a greater level of expertise with gifted children, Richard obtained his Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Thomas, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He became a Curriculum Specialist and developed training modules, curriculum formats, and differentiated learning archetypes that assisted teachers in creating higher-level experiences to meet the needs of all children.

Feeling his efforts would have a greater impact in the administration of programs, he pursued and received his Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. Dr. Cash served as the administrator over gifted programs in Rochester, Minnesota, and currently holds the position of Director of Gifted Programs for the Bloomington Public Schools in Minnesota. In Bloomington, he realigned the gifted programs to service more students during a budget deficit and incorporated differentiated instruction into the total school curriculum.

Dr. Cash has given hundreds of workshops, presentations and staff development sessions throughout the United States and Europe. The research-based strategies and techniques he offers are proven to increase student achievement. He has a great talent for working with teachers to develop engaging and enriching learning environments that can affect student learning. His greatest passion is helping teachers recognize the various talents all children possess and create engaging learning experiences to allow those talents to flourish.

Richard is a member of several professional organizations including the National Association for Gifted Children, the Council for Exceptional Children and the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development. He has authored several articles on quality instructional practices. He is considered by many to be an exceptionally engaging, motivating, and enlightening presenter.