Governing Board Member At-Large Candidate

Hello, I’m Dr. Amy-Marie Rivera, and I’m honored to be considered for a Member-at-Large position on the NAEYC Governing Board.

After more than thirty years in early childhood education—as a teacher, curriculum director, and now Head of Early Childhood at The Center for Early Education in Los Angeles—I see Board service as a natural next step in my journey of advocacy and leadership. My career has been dedicated to advancing equity, supporting educators, and ensuring that every child experiences joyful, meaningful, and developmentally grounded learning.

I want to serve because our field is at a pivotal moment. Educators are navigating workforce instability, inequitable systems, and growing pressures that often diminish the value of their expertise. These challenges require leaders who not only understand policy and governance but who also center the lived experiences of teachers in decision making. I believe NAEYC must continue to lead with courage, moral clarity, and collaboration—elevating the profession by honoring the wisdom of those closest to children.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked to bridge research and practice—translating theory into actionable strategies that empower teachers and improve learning environments. My doctoral research at UCLA examined how early educators respond to young children’s perceptions of race, highlighting the importance of reflection, responsiveness, and racial literacy in teaching. This work reinforced my belief that educators are not simply implementers of curriculum but research practictioners, innovators, and changemakers in their own right. I am passionate about ensuring that teachers’ voices inform the research that shapes our field and that NAEYC continues to amplify practitioner knowledge as essential to professional excellence.

As Head of Early Childhood, I lead programming for children from infancy through age five, overseeing curriculum design, faculty development, family partnerships, and accreditation. My leadership centers on building inclusive learning communities where teachers are seen as the heart of quality education. I’ve mentored educators at all stages of their careers—helping them find confidence in their professional identity and purpose. Before moving to Los Angeles, I spent nearly two decades at Corlears School in New York City, leading social justice initiatives, teacher induction, and equity-centered faculty training.

If elected, I will serve with empathy, reflection, and partnership—listening deeply to the experiences of educators, learning from families, and collaborating with colleagues to strengthen our professional community. I believe that when we elevate the teacher's voice, connect research to daily practice, and lead with integrity, we build a field that is not only stronger but more just. I am eager to contribute to NAEYC’s mission of ensuring that all children thrive and learn in a society committed to equity, access, and excellence.

Thank you for considering my candidacy and for all that you do to advance our shared vision for the profession and its future.

Warmly,
Dr. Amy-Marie Rivera, Ed.D.
Head of Early Childhood, The Center for Early Education
West Hollywood, California