Pedro Rivera

Pedro A. Rivera is the former Pennsylvania Secretary of Education, having been nominated by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and confirmed in June 2015. Previously, he served as superintendent of the School District of Lancaster. Starting October 1, 2020, he began a new role as President of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. A Philadelphia native, Rivera spent 13 years at the School District of Philadelphia before accepting the Lancaster position in 2008. During his tenure, Lancaster saw improved graduation rates, better reading proficiency scores and a growth in financial reserve funds. Rivera has been recognized by The Washington Post and the White House for his academic achievements.

Early life and career Pedro A. Rivera was born in Philadelphia, growing up in the Hunting Park section of the city. His grandmother came to Philadelphia from Puerto Rico to take a job in a sewing factory. Rivera received a bachelor's degree in education from Pennsylvania State University, a master's degree in education administration from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, a superintendent letter of eligibility from Arcadia University and a doctorate degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania. He spent 13 years working in the School District of Philadelphia, holding principal positions from August 2001 to July 2006, including principal of Sheridan Elementary School and assistant principal of Kensington High School. Rivera also held the positions of bilingual teacher, coordinator of English as a second language programs, and executive director of high schools, and finished his time there as director of the human resources department. He also served as president of the Philadelphia Association of Hispanic School Administrators.

Lancaster superintendent On April 16, 2008, Rivera was appointed superintendent of the School District of Lancaster, which includes about 11,500 students. and as one of the 10 Hispanic leaders in the United States doing "extraordinary work in education".

State education secretary On January 20, 2015, newly elected Governor Tom Wolf announced Rivera was his nominee to become Pennsylvania Secretary of Education. Wolf said he chose Rivera based in part on his record in improving urban education.

President of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology On October 1, 2020, he was appointed as the 10th President of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, where he demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing technical education and workforce development. In addition to his role at Thaddeus Stevens College, Pedro A. Rivera serves as a valued member of the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, where he holds the position of Chair of the Higher Education Committee.

Rivera serves on the board of directors for the Aspen Institute K12 Climate Action, Aspen Education Cross-Partisan Education Policy Network, and The Hunt Institute. He demonstrates his commitment to his local community by serving on the boards of Community First Credit Union Lancaster County Community Foundation, Lancaster County STEM Alliance, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, and WITF Public Broadcasting.