Roosevelt School District Educator is Named PETA’s 2025 Teacher of the Year

The Roosevelt School District is proud to recognize Washington Rose Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Nicole Rivera, who was named PETA’s 2025 Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Recognized by TeachKind, PETA’s humane education division, Ms. Rivera was honored for her outstanding commitment to teaching compassion, equity, empathy, and environmental stewardship through her creative classroom lessons.

“Ms. Rivera exemplifies the type of teacher every community hopes for—one who nurtures minds and hearts,” said Dr. Shawn K. Wightman, Superintendent of Schools. “Her work reminds us that teaching isn’t just about content, it’s about cultivating character, civic responsibility, and kindness. We are proud to have her at Washington Rose Elementary School.”

Coinciding with her recognition, Ms. Rivera recently welcomed Liberation Summer author Stewart Mitchell on May 27 to speak with her students about standing up for your beliefs, the vegan diet and the power of storytelling. Students also got a taste of plant-based eating by enjoying vegan chicken sandwiches provided by Secret Vegan Kitchen.

The initiative was part of the District’s commitment to ensuring students are empowered to share their stories and connect with the world around them. Rivera, a Nationally Board-Certified educator who has taught at Roosevelt for 20 years, uses topics ranging from the rainforest to sustainability to teach her students age-appropriate lessons about the environment, fostering empathy and caring for the world around them.

“Nicole Rivera’s thoughtful lessons about making kind choices for animals and the planet have instilled her students with empathy and respect for all,” says PETA Vice President Marta Holmberg. “TeachKind is delighted to recognize this outstanding educator for empowering young learners to use their voices to make the world a more compassionate place.”

Outside of the Roosevelt School District, Ms. Rivera volunteers with the Great Shape! Organization and Teach the Teachers project to provide educational resources to teachers and students on the island of Jamaica. She has connected her students at Roosevelt with their peers abroad by spearheading a pen pal project between Washington Rose and the students she instructs in Jamaica.

To learn more about the Roosevelt Union Free School District, please visit the District's website at https://www.rooseveltufsd.org. Happenings in the District can also be followed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RooseveltUFSD.