Eugenia B. Thomas K-8 Center’s Assistant Principal, Mrs. Maribel Rivera was named Assistant Principal of the Year for the Ronald W. Reagan/Doral Senior High School Feeder Pattern. It is quite an accomplishment for her as a fourth year Assistant Principal. In her fourth year as an Assistant Principal, Mrs. Rivera is excited and honored to have received this recognition.
“It has been the most humbling experience of my career to be recognized for coming to work every day to do what I love.” Rivera said.
Rivera came to Eugenia B. Thomas K-8 Center as a rookie Assistant Principal in 2011 where she hit the ground running. Since arriving at Eugenia B. Thomas K-8 Center, she has worked in both the elementary and the middle school, known as the Lower and Upper Academy respectively. Although she has enjoyed both experiences, her love for the Upper Academy students is evident.
“Being my first experience as an Assistant Principal, I feel so accomplished as a professional. Having received my Masters in Administration, I’ve been able to embrace all aspects of being in a leadership position, while serving as an instructional leader, a role model, and ensuring the safety of the staff and students. I believe in instilling the values and work ethics that I personally follow, in other words, lead by example”, Rivera said.
Rivera can be found just about everywhere from visiting classrooms and occasionally even teaching a lesson to students in the Upper Academy. Always welcoming everyone with a smile, and often times by first name, she gives students a warm welcome. Mrs. Rivera is sure to be in the hallways during morning arrival and during classroom switches to ensure smooth and safe transitions.
“We are very proud to have Mrs. Rivera as an instructional leader and positive role model at Eugenia B. Thomas K-8 Center”, said Mayra Barreira, Principal at Eugenia B. Thomas K-8 Center.
Mrs. Rivera came to Eugenia B. Thomas K-8 Center from Miami Senior High School where she was Lead Teacher and Administrative Assistant for 2 years. Prior to that, she worked at Coral Way K-8 Center for 5 years where she was a Business Technology Teacher. Her experiences in both the K-8 Center, as well as the high school, served as great preparation for her current position as the administrator who oversees curriculum, data, testing and students in grades 6-8th, just to name a few.
Mrs. Rivera credits her accomplishments to both the support of her EBT family, as well as that of her husband, Edwin, of 16 years and three children, Emma, who is 7 years old, Alec, who is 10 years old, and Andres who is 13 years old.
