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Biography

Manuel Rivera brings to the Warner School more than 40 years of experience and extensive knowledge in both public and private education, and a record of accomplishments as an educational leader and policymaker at the local and state levels of government.

Rivera’s career in education as a teacher, principal, school superintendent (Rochester City School District, N.Y., 1991-94 and 2002-07; Norwalk Public Schools, Conn., 2013-15; and New London Public Schools, Conn., 2015-19), chief executive officer, local board of education president, and senior policy adviser to two New York State governors has received national recognition. He was named the 2005 New York State Superintendent of the Year by the New York State Council of School Superintendents in 2005, and a year later, he was named the 2006 National Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Superintendents.

During his tenure as a school leader, Rivera’s risk-taking and innovative spirit, passion for transforming public education, and knowledge of educational policy, coupled with proven practices in education and state funding formulas in both New York and Connecticut, made him an invaluable asset to the communities and organizations in which he worked and served.

At Warner, Rivera teaches courses in the K-12 school leadership program. His interests are in improving the learning environment for students, teachers, and school leaders. Rivera is also skilled at marshalling and organizing community assets and resources in support of children, youth, and families.