Meet Our Leaders: Raices Academy Principal Elisa Rivera
The need for strong instructional leadership has never been more critical. Recognizing this demand, Rhode Island Education Collective proudly introduces its inaugural Instructional Leadership Community of Practice. This innovative, year-long program is meticulously designed to empower educational leaders with the essential skills and strategies needed to effectively support and coach teachers in their schools. By focusing on instructional leadership — a vital element of a successful school culture — this initiative aims to promote high-quality teaching and improve student learning outcomes across Rhode Island. With a diverse group of participants from both district and charter schools, this program stands as a testament to the Collective’s commitment to fostering meaningful instructional change. As we support our inaugural cohort of 13 educators, we want our communities to get to know them. Central Falls’ Raices Dual Language Academy Principal, Elisa Rivera, says “she’s eager to gain new perspectives, tools and inspiration to refine and grow her practice.”
What inspired you to become an instructional leader, and how has your personal journey shaped your approach to education?
What inspired me to become an instructional leader was the belief that every child deserves access to excellent instruction and a school environment where they feel empowered to succeed. My journey in education has centered around building and supporting that vision. I began as a founding teacher of our dual language program. That experience taught me the power of language and culturally responsive teaching to elevate both student identity and achievement. From there, I served as an induction specialist, coaching new teachers and helping them find their voice and confidence in the classroom. Later, I became a reading interventionist, digging deep into literacy data and designing supports that truly met students where they were. Each of these roles prepared me for the principalship because I have experienced the work from the ground up. I carry those experiences into every leadership decision I make, as they have deepened my understanding of what it takes to support both students and educators. I know that instructional leadership requires a strong culture with clear systems and structures in place. My job is to create the conditions where teaching and learning can flourish. That means ensuring teachers feel both supported and challenged, and that student success is a shared goal.
Who has played a pivotal role in your career or personal life, and how has their influence helped shape your leadership style?
One of the most influential mentors in my career was a principal who modeled what it means to lead with clarity, heart, and consistency. She never lost sight of the big picture, but she also paid close attention to the details that mattered, such as how a teacher felt after a hard day or how a new system would actually play out in classrooms. She led with both strength and warmth. That balance taught me what it means to create a culture where people feel supported and inspired. Watching her navigate tough decisions while keeping students and teachers at the center helped me understand the kind of leader I aspired to be. Whether I am supporting a veteran teacher or welcoming a new one, I try to bring that same combination of vision, empathy, and high expectations. She showed me that great leadership is not just about driving results. It is also about building trust, nurturing talent, and creating a culture where everyone feels seen and valued. She believed in my leadership potential before I fully did and created space for me to lead, reflect, and grow. That experience stayed with me. Now, as a principal, I carry that mindset forward. I actively look for the strengths in my teachers and encourage them to lead. This might be within their grade-level teams, through professional development, or by mentoring others. Building the capacity of those around me is not just good leadership. It is how we grow a sustainable and empowered school community.
What core values or guiding principles inform your work as an instructional leader, and how do you integrate them into your daily practices?
Equity, excellence, and empowerment are at the heart of my leadership. These values were shaped by years of working directly with multilingual learners and new teachers. I believe that culture drives achievement and that a principal must embody the expectations they hold for others. Just as important is the belief that systems support success. I work hard to ensure our school has the structures needed to support growth. These include clear expectations, collaborative planning, and effective data practices that make instructional improvement possible. I also believe in celebrating progress and modeling what I expect to see in others. Whether it is being reflective, showing up prepared, or leading with joy, I know my example sets the tone. Teachers are doing amazing things every day. I make it a point to celebrate both the big and small wins through shout-outs, handwritten notes, or quick visits with encouraging words. Growth comes from feedback, but also from encouragement. I want our staff to feel like they are part of something bigger, where their effort and impact truly matter. I prioritize creating a school environment that is warm, welcoming, and inclusive for staff, students, and families alike.
What motivated you to join the Instructional Leadership Community of Practice, and what do you hope to contribute or gain from being part of this dynamic network?
I joined this community because I value continuous learning and wanted the opportunity to connect with like-minded leaders who are committed to transforming schools through effective instruction. Leadership can sometimes feel isolating, and I believe we grow best when we are learning with and from others. I am excited to collaborate with leaders who are just as passionate about instructional excellence, equity, and culture-building as I am. I hope to contribute insights from my own leadership journey. These include launching a dual language program, supporting new teachers, and building school-wide systems as a principal. At the same time, I am eager to gain new perspectives, tools, and inspiration to refine and grow my practice.
From your perspective, what are the most pressing challenges facing educators today, and how can strong instructional leadership help overcome these hurdles?
Educators today are navigating a range of challenges: academic gaps, social-emotional needs, increased accountability, and systemic inequities. It is a heavy lift, and burnout is real. However, I truly believe that strong instructional leadership can help schools move forward. When a leader sets a clear instructional vision, creates a positive culture, puts solid systems in place, and provides the coaching and recognition that teachers deserve, it creates momentum and clarity. Strong leaders align all systems with a shared vision while also nurturing the people behind the practice. When teachers know they are supported and appreciated, they are more likely to take risks, reflect on their practice, and stay grounded in the work.