Before receiving her doctorate from the University of California, Santa Barbara, Dr. Richards-Tutor worked as a classroom teacher, a reading specialist for students at-risk, and a behavioral consultant. In 2009 she was awarded the Early Academic Career Excellence Award at CSU Long Beach for her accomplishments in research, teaching, and professional service. Dr. Richards-Tutor has worked with many districts and schools with high percentages of English Learners in implementing RTI in both academics and behavior. Currently, she is Co-PI on Project EQALS, Evidence-based, Quality Professional Development in Algebra for Learner Success, which is funded by the California Department of Education. Her research and publications focus on reading and math interventions and progress monitoring for English learners, particularly within a RTI model.