Dr. Richard Smith
Chief Officer, Office of Special Education and Supports

Dr. Richard G. Smith is a 40-year veteran in the field of special education. As a special education teacher, Dr. Smith taught students with a wide range of disabilities in both public and private settings, including work as a clinical educator in the Division of Child Psychiatry at Children’s Memorial Hospital. His career with Chicago Public Schools includes experiences as a school psychologist, school principal and Chief Area Officer. Currently, he serves as the Chief Officer for the Office of Special Education and Supports (OSES). In 1997, Dr. Smith received CPS’ Outstanding Leadership Award.

He holds bachelors and masters degrees in special education, specializing in physical, intellectual and learning disabilities. He received his doctorate in education of psychology from Northern Illinois University, where for 15 years he taught undergraduate and graduate level courses as an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Special Education.

Dr. Smith currently serves as a board member for The Illinois Association of Administration of Special Education and The Spina Bifidia Association of Illinois. He is also a member of the Attorney General’s Special Education Advisory Group and the Mayor’s Early Childhood Task Force.