Her Story
About Elizabeth
Beth Richardson is an Adult ESL Coach at World Relief Memphis, a non-profit refugee resettlement agency designated by the Office of Refugee Resettlement in Memphis, Tennessee. With over 12 years of experience in education, she previously taught preschool as well as second and third grades before transitioning in January 2025 to adult education for refugees and immigrants. In her current position, which she has been building since its inception, Beth connects participants facing barriers such as work schedules and transportation to English language instruction via digital learning platforms, one-on-one meetings, volunteer support, and on-site workshops for participants working for employer partners. She holds a Bachelor's of Arts in Education from Harding University earned in 1996, is certified to teach kindergarten through fourth grades; she completed TESOL certification in January 2025; and she has received training in the Science of Reading as well as in Motivational Interviewing. Beth attributes her professional approach to her belief that God has created each person in His image. She strives to be salt and light to the amazing people she serves, while drawing on opportunities God has placed in her life through mentors, colleagues, and professional learning experiences. She values justice for underserved populations and emphasizes developing a clear educational philosophy to guide intentional practice across changing educational landscapes.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Elizabeth
01What do you attribute your success to?
I don't think I have a great list of accomplishments, no grand achievements to boast of--I'm not sure I fit the "success" category. But I have tried to be the "salt and light" that Jesus talked about in the Gospel of Matthew. And God has put me in places and situations that have given me "salt and light" opportunities, and He's put people in my life who've given me tools: my beautiful mother, my family, mentors and colleagues and my current supervisor, who is also my dear fsriend. And I've had access to professional development opportunities that have enabled real growth in me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
A few years ago, when it felt like career options were limited for me, a friend reminded me that I am a very creative and intelligent person, that I can think outside the box, and I can figure out something besides just the most obvious path. Her words were affirming and liberating, helping me keep my mind and heart open.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage educators of all stripes to really build out your philosophy. When I taught in the K-12 system, I wanted to go beyond helping children master reading and writing (although I certainly wanted to provide excellent instruction in the basics!). It was important for me to cultivate kindess and respect across divdes, to teach history in a way that highlighted the work of civil rights leaders in our country and would inspire my students to take up the flame themselves. I wanted to spark a profound sense of responsibility in my students to take care of the Earth and its creatures and human inhabitants. And now, as an adult educator, I want to inspire a hope and a sense of great worth in my participants, because I'm convinced that they have so much to contribute and that our communities won't thrive unless we ALL thrive. So my philopsophy is what keeps me putting my whole heart and sould into my work, even when it's challenging. Without a philosophy to inspire you, you'll burn out fast.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The barriers that participants face due to distrust and dismissal of immigrants in our country, which creates many obstacles for the amazing people that I work with. And I feel frustrated when employers seem only focused on "the bottom line." I believe that when employees--even and especially those in entry-level positions--can thrive, then the company will thrive. But this kind of philosophy requires an investment at the front end, with a payoff over the long haul.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My greatest value is my faith in God and in Jesus. I believe that God is good, and that He is love. I believe that all people are created in His image. This faith is what compels me to aim at treating everyone with humility, respect, and empathy. Family is very important, and I try to pour into them at every opportunity. I love this beautiful, amazing, mysterious Earth we live on and am concerned about how we've treated it. Justice is important to me as well, for the Earth and its creatures, and for our most vunerable human populations. When one community is not flourishing, everyone loses out.
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