Dr. John Rivers Selected as Acting Assistant Principal Iwakuni and MC Perry Elementary Schools, Iwakuni, Japan

Dr. Judy Allen, DoDEA Pacific East District Superintendent, is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. John Rivers as the Acting Assistant Principal for the Iwakuni and MC Perry Elementary Schools. Dr. Rivers will assume this new role effective August 24, 2021 and will continue in this role until the new assistant principal for the elementary schools has arrived.

Dr. Rivers joined DoDEA as a Professional Learning Instructional Support Specialist in Iwakuni, Japan in 2020. Prior to joining DoDEA, Dr. Rivers was the Superintendent of Schools for Agape Public Charter Schools in Fresno, California where he worked tirelessly with historically underserved students and families. He played a direct role in collaborating across organizational boundaries with diverse groups to build positive relationships to benefit all individuals. Dr. Rivers believes that by putting people first and believing that we are stronger together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of all children.

A native of Rochester, New York, Dr. Rivers holds two master’s degrees from State University of New York at Brockport in Secondary Science and Education Administration. He holds a Doctoral degree from State University of New York at Buffalo in Education Administration which he acquired in 2007. His dissertation was entitled, “Teacher’s Perceptions of the Effectiveness of Instructional Support Teams.”

Dr. Rivers’ teaching career began in Rochester City Schools, where he taught science grades 6-8 for eight years. He was selected to be one of the teachers for the Rochester Institute of Technology City Center Program. This program provided greater opportunities for gifted middle school students. He was also a tutor for the Rochester City School District’s after school program, “Dial-A-Teacher”. This program provided tutoring services for students (K-12) at local libraries and was also locally televised.

Upon entering school administration, Dr. Rivers served as an Assistant High Principal for the Spencerport City School district where he spearheaded the district’s Positive Behavior and Intervention Support Program. The results of this program led to a significant decline in student related issues and an increase in student attendance. He was also responsible for testing and the supervision of various departments such as science, social studies, and special education. Dr. Rivers was also responsible for the daily operations of the Alternative High School Program for sixty-five high school students of whom ninety-eight percent graduated on time. He also taught environmental science classes as an adjunct professor at Monroe Community College from 2008-2013.

Dr. Rivers has served as an elementary, middle, and high school turn-around Principal in four out of five of the largest school districts in New York State. His first principalship occurred at Athena middle school with approximately 1,000 students. This middle school was on the New York State's list of schools not meeting adequate yearly progress (AYP). His efforts and the strong commitment made by students, staff, and community members; the school was removed from the list in two years. His work with struggling schools has allowed him to grow professionally.

Dr. Rivers is an avid powerlifter and chess player. He has won several trophies in bench-pressing and deadlift competitions in Upstate New York. He has played chess since he was an eighth grader and enjoys the thrill of the game. He looks forward to continuing to support our military-connected families and DoDEA’s initiatives. Dr. Rivers feels blessed and highly favored and is very pleased to be a part of an extraordinary organization.