Member Spotlight: Dr. Mabel Rivera A Journey of Dedication and Impact
Dr. Mabel Rivera’s journey in education stems from her unwavering desire to create a lasting impact on children, particularly those facing challenges in the classroom. With a background as both an elementary and special education teacher, she has experienced firsthand the transformative power of quality education for students at risk of learning difficulties. Dr. Rivera finds joy in helping children overcome obstacles, which has solidified her commitment to advocating for effective instructional practices that cater to diverse learners, especially those with exceptionalities.
Her passion for education led her to serve on the North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children (NC CEC) Board, where she has held various leadership roles, including Past President and Conference Co-Chair. Through these positions, Dr. Rivera has influenced policies, supported future educators, and advocated for equitable learning opportunities, extending her impact beyond the classroom. Her work has improved services at the state, national, and international levels.
In recognition of her contributions to the field, Dr. Rivera is the recipient of the NC DEC Distinguished Service Award and the NC CEC President's Award, highlighting her commitment to enhancing educational practices for students with exceptionalities.
A Practical Approach to Educational Leadership
Dr. Rivera’s extensive experience equips her to contribute significantly to the NC CEC Board's mission of advancing the education of students with exceptionalities. Her firsthand knowledge of addressing diverse learner needs ensures that discussions and initiatives remain rooted in the realities educators and students face daily.
As an Associate Professor and Director of Accreditation and Reporting, Dr. Rivera has developed a deep understanding of the intersection of policy and practice. Her expertise in data analysis allows the Board to focus on measurable outcomes, ensuring that goals align with evidence-based practices. She has published in peer-reviewed journals and has mentored and taught numerous teachers and service providers, empowering them to better serve children with exceptionalities.
Addressing Challenges in Special Education
Dr. Rivera is acutely aware of the pressing challenges facing special educators, including increasing caseloads, a shortage of qualified teachers, and the need for inclusive, evidence-based practices. She recognizes that these issues can lead to burnout and hinder teachers' ability to provide high-quality support to their students.
Through NC CEC, Dr. Rivera advocates for better funding, resources, and support for special educators. By influencing policies and fostering a community of collaboration, she aims to ensure that educators have manageable caseloads and access to ongoing professional development.
Creating Lasting Connections
As Co-Chair of the NC CEC Annual Conference, Dr. Rivera plays a pivotal role in organizing initiatives that provide valuable professional development opportunities for special educators. The conference is designed to create a collaborative space for educators, researchers, and advocates to share best practices and address the evolving challenges in special education.
Her vision includes expanding the conference's focus on evidence-based interventions and fostering stronger connections between K-12 educators, higher education faculty, and policy leaders. By equipping special educators with knowledge and resources, Dr. Rivera aims to create a sense of community that extends beyond the conference, ensuring ongoing support and empowerment for educators.
The Value of Membership
In these challenging economic times, Dr. Rivera views joining the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) as a vital professional resource. She encourages educators to consider becoming members and to explore one of the special interest divisions that align with their passions and expertise. Membership offers access to invaluable resources, research, and professional development opportunities that can enhance teaching effectiveness without incurring additional costs.
Dr. Rivera emphasizes that CEC membership fosters a sense of collaboration and community among practitioners, allowing them to share ideas and gain support in navigating everyday challenges. With ongoing professional development opportunities and advocacy efforts at state and national levels, CEC empowers educators to influence legislation and secure the resources needed to better serve their students.
Dr. Mabel Rivera’s dedication to improving education for students with exceptionalities exemplifies the mission of the NC CEC. Her journey from classroom teacher to educational leader reflects a lifelong commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of students and their families.