A Legacy of Literacy: Celebrating Elizabeth Rivero’s Remarkable Career at West Broward High

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BIDDING FAREWELL: Literacy Coach Elizabeth Rivero poses with [left to right] Assistant Principal Frank Jones, Former Principal Brad Fatout, Reading teachers Quarratulayne Ghaniwala, Susan Palmer-Gooden, Cecilia Rogers and Assistant Principal Diane Hurtado. Rivero is widely appreciated by administrators and her colleagues, leaving a lasting impact on them not only as coworkers, but also as people. Photo Courtesy of Elizabeth Rivero

By: Mia Villegas

After more than three decades of dedicated service in education,. Elizabeth Rivero, West Broward High School’s literacy coach, is set to retire after the 2025-2026 school year. Her journey, marked by passion, perseverance, and profound impact, leaves an incredible mark on the school community.

In 2014, Rivero joined West Broward High School, initially teaching English. Despite initial hesitations, she embraced the role of literacy coach, recognizing the opportunity to impact both students and teachers. Her extensive background in curriculum development made her an invaluable asset in this position.

“She is a staple at West Broward. She has put a lot of time and effort into helping all of our students. She cares about kids and supports our teachers, and I am happy for her as she’s retiring, but her retirement will be a big loss for us,” said Ninth grade Assistant Principal David Piroozshad.

She credits administrators like Twelfth grade Assistant Principal Frank Jones as well as her colleagues for their support during this transition. “They encouraged me to stay, but they also encouraged me to go,” she said, emphasizing the importance of self-care.

Rivero’s educational journey began with a Bachelor of Science in English Education from the University of Miami, followed by a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Her career commenced in 1988 at North Dade Middle School in Opa-locka, where she served for 13 years, transitioning from an English teacher to an assistant principal. Her leadership roles expanded as she took on the principalship at First Baptist School of Hialeah and later contributed to the establishment of Hollywood Academy of Arts and Sciences with Charter Schools USA.

“I like teaching students, but I also like working with teachers,” Rivero reflected. “My curriculum work and experience was a good fit for this position.”

Her expertise in curriculum development led her to the district level, where she was instrumental in securing substantial school improvement grants, totaling up to $13 million, benefiting 13 schools across the county. After 30 years of service, Rivero acknowledged that it was time to focus on her well-being.

Post-retirement, Ms. Rivero plans to relocate to Indiana to be closer to her grandchildren. She also looks forward to assisting her son with his laundromat business, embracing new roles beyond the educational sphere.

“I love kids, and I just, I want to be here for them,” Rivero shared. “But I can’t be here like I would like to be. So it’s time to go on and do something else.”

As West Broward High bids farewell to Rivero, her legacy of dedication, mentorship, and passion for literacy will continue to inspire both students and educators. Rivero’s contributions have left an enduring impact on the West Broward community, in both administrators and students. Her “easy going” attitude and willingness to help students will be missed by the lives she touched.

“She is just very easy going. She is the type of person you want to help and be around because of the way she supports other people and makes them better. If there is a problem, she comes up with a solution,” said Piroozshad.