Joel Richards scored a plum endorsement today in the contest to succeed Andrea Campbell as the city councillor in District 4. The Boston Teachers Union. The Boston Teachers Union — which counts more than 10,000 men and women in its ranks— tapped Richards for the job, citing his experience as both a public school educator and a union organizer.

“The BTU is proud to endorse Joel Richards for the Boston City Council District 4 seat," said Jessica Tang, president of the Boston Teachers Union, in a statement issued by Richards's campaign. Joel is an active BTU union leader, dedicated BPS teacher and community organizer whose first priority is centering and listening to marginalized voices. He is a passionate and thoughtful activist, and we look forward to all the good work he will do on the City Council for our students, schools and community.”

Richards lives in Dorchester with his wife and two sons. If elected, Richards notes, he would be the only public school teacher on Boston City Council.

“As a Boston Public School Teacher, I have taught in schools that were underfunded, overcrowded, and constantly understaffed,” said Joel Richards. “Thanks to the BTU I was able to challenge these injustices by organizing with my fellow educators. As a City Councilor I will continue to stand up for our students, parents and teachers.”

Richards is one of about a dozen people running for the district seat, which includes parts of Dorchester and Mattapan.