With her dynamic energy and extensive expertise, Dr. Kim Richardson is a force in educational leadership and coaching. A Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF), her PhD research focused on leadership identity development. She is thrilled to host her own column titled Teachers ARE LEADERS in the 2025 publications of the Learning Forward Professionalmagazine and serves as the Regional Director for Virginia Learning Forward. Additionally, she serves on the VASCD Annual Conference Planning Committee.
Dr. Kim’s impact extends even further—she designed Radical Learners: Coaching for Connection, Certainty, and Autonomy for Jim Knight’s Instructional Coaching Group, and her district’s coaching program was featured in Knight’s book, Focus on Teachers.
What sets Dr. Kim apart is that she is a current practitioner. As the Director of Induction and Development for Hampton City Schools, Dr. Kim leads professional learning for school and district teams, focusing on instruction, coaching, and leadership growth. Her dissertation research reinforced her belief that outstanding leaders, especially coaches, are cultivated and supported. Among her many roles, she most cherished her time as an Instructional Coaching Coordinator, where she built the district’s coaching program from the ground up. Her diverse background also includes experience as an elementary principal, technology specialist, instructional coach, and classroom teacher.
Outside of work, Dr. Kim treasures time with her husband, three sons, daughter-in-law, and young granddaughter. She also brings her passion for movement to life as a Zumba® instructor, dancing her way to joy every Saturday morning!
