Faculty Profile: Amelia Rivera

Name: Dr. Amelia Q. Rivera

Title & department: Assistant Professor in Elementary, Middle and Secondary Education

Can you share a little about your background (degrees, former job, etc.) and what brought you to ECU’s College of Education?

I am a career teacher with over 15 years of teaching experience in K-12, mostly in rural NC. I have served as a special education teacher (K-12), Middle Grades ELA, and Special Education Director. I have served as Assistant Principal of Specialized Services a Mastery Charter Network school in Philly. I have also served as a content facilitator, teacher coach and director of coaching support with Teach For America.

I received my bachelor’s from UNC Chapel Hill in Communication Studies (Speech and Hearing Sciences) and Linguistics with a minor in African American Studies. I obtained my master’s in education in Reading and Literacy from Capella University. I completed my PhD in 2026 in Teacher Education and Learning Sciences with a concentration in Educational Equity from NC State University. 

What brought me to ECU’s College of Education is destiny! I grew up and was educated in rural Eastern NC where I still reside. ECU’s College of Education has demonstrated leadership and innovation in preparing teachers to enter classrooms and for me, its full circle to be back in my home community sharing knowledge and learning alongside our future generation of educators. 

What are your primary teaching and research interests?

My primary teaching and research interests center on literacy, language, teacher education, and educational equity. I am particularly interested in how educators develop the knowledge, dispositions, and instructional practices needed to support racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse learners. My research examines linguistic justice, Black Language and raciolinguistics, equity, culturally and linguistically responsive teaching, immersive and experiential teacher learning, and the preparation of educators for diverse school communities. I also explore the role of artificial intelligence in teaching, professional learning, and instructional decision-making, with particular attention to how educators can critically evaluate and use AI-generated materials and feedback. Across my teaching and scholarship, I aim to connect theory to practice and prepare educators to create rigorous, affirming, and responsive learning environments for all students.

What excited you most about joining the College of Education?

What excites me the most about joining the College of Education is supporting the development of teachers through innovation and collaboration. I am also excited about the various opportunities available to students to engage in experiential and immersive learning outside of the traditional classroom setting. 

What do you hope your students will take away from your classes?

I hope my students leave my classes with the confidence to think critically, teach intentionally, and see themselves as capable agents of change in schools and communities. I want them to understand that effective teaching is not simply about following a lesson plan; it requires knowing your students, making thoughtful instructional decisions, and creating learning environments where every child feels seen, challenged, and supported.  I harp on teaching being a science and an art, and every tool and strategy is a tool added to their toolbox . Applying critical thinking skills allows them to explore which tools are needed to get the job done. Most importantly, I hope they leave with a commitment to continuous learning, reflection, and advocacy; and with the belief that their teaching can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.

What’s something fun or unique you’d like people to know about you?

One fun thing about me is that I love finding creative ways to blend education, storytelling, travel, and culture. I am just as excited about designing an engaging learning experience or recording a podcast as I am about exploring a new city or country. I enjoy bringing that curiosity and creativity into my work, because I believe some of the most meaningful learning happens when we step outside of our usual routines and experience the world from a different perspective.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, line dancing, and live music events.