When brothers George and Elias entered Mr. Rivera’s third-grade classroom, neither of them spoke English. Mr. Rivera saw this as a challenge, but he was determined to meet it head-on. He developed special lesson plans for the boys and organized parent-teacher conferences to help orient them for school. He soon realized that George and Elias’s immediate and extended family were as focused on the brothers’ progress and adjustment to their new surroundings as he was. Each day their aunt and cousins would walk the boys home from school and their parents would participate in regular parent-teacher meetings.

Decades later, Dr. Manuel Rivera, now CEO of Global Partnership Schools and the 2006 National Superintendent of the Year, was shopping in the city of Rochester, New York, for a new car. While visiting a thriving Chevrolet dealership, he ran into George, now the head of the dealer’s finance department. George instantly recognized Dr. Rivera and called up his brother, Elias, a successful restaurant owner and deacon of his church. They both recalled fond memories of third grade and their favorite teacher, Mr. Rivera, who had taken them under his wing.

Despite their gratitude, Dr. Rivera insisted it was their family who deserved the thanks. Because of their tireless commitment, the boys learned a new language, adapted to a completely unfamiliar environment, and realized their full potential.

Studies show that parent involvement in education is at the heart of student achievement. Most parents fully accept this responsibility and understand the immense impact they have on their children’s learning.

- Dr. Manny Rivera, CEO, Global Partnership Schools