Cynthia W. Rich

Cynthia W. Rich is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Foundations at Eastern Illinois University (EIU). Her research focuses on historical representation in children's literature, disciplinary literacy, and social studies education. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Indiana State University (2008), an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from EIU (2001), an M.A. in Reading (1994), and a B.S. in Language Arts (1991).

Dr. Rich leads two major projects: Civics Focused Professional Development for Teachers (funded by McCormick Foundation since 2016) and Teaching with Primary Sources (Library of Congress-funded from 2004–2018). Her work critiques trade books for historical accuracy and develops strategies to enhance students' critical analysis of historical narratives.

She teaches courses such as Literacy, Assessment, and Differentiation in Secondary Schools and Social Studies for Elementary School Children, emphasizing evidence-based pedagogy. Her research articles address topics like Holocaust representation, child labor narratives, and curriculum development for historical literacy.