The West Hempstead School District has welcomed Jessica Rivera as the new principal of George Washington School.
Rivera comes to West Hempstead after previously serving as an assistant principal at Baldwin High School. While in Baldwin, she supported college and career readiness, managed safety and student support matters, and collaborated with families and community partners. She also helped develop programs that allowed students to explore future careers, build leadership skills and prepare for life outside the classroom.
“One of the things I appreciate most about West Hempstead is how incredibly welcoming the staff and community have been,” Rivera said. “From the very beginning, I have felt supported, valued and genuinely embraced as part of the West Hempstead family. I’m grateful to be part of a community where relationships, collaboration and a shared commitment to our students are so clearly valued.”
Rivera’s career began as a special education teacher in the New York City Department of Education before she became a dual-language teacher in the Huntington School District. She later transitioned into school leadership, serving as dean of students at Jack Abrams STEM School and Huntington’s Finley Middle School.
Rivera brings a diverse background in education, including special education, elementary dual-language instruction and school administration. She holds a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Old Westbury, a master’s degree in instructional technology from Fort Hays State University in Kansas and a post-master’s advanced graduate certificate in school leadership from Stony Brook University.
“I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be,” she said. “I look forward to becoming part of this wonderful family that has already been established and seeing what I can bring that’s new to it.”
As Rivera takes on her new role as principal, she said she is focused on supporting instruction while recognizing the strengths of each student and helping students feel valued, supported and challenged to reach their fullest potential.
“Right now I’m really just trying to be intentional about listening and learning before doing anything else,” Rivera said. “Rather than just sitting in my office, I’m trying to make myself as visible as possible.”
Her experience in both the classroom and administration has helped shape her collaborative approach to leadership.
“Jessica brings experience at both the elementary and secondary levels, and she is a leader who puts students first and knows that the best schools grow out of trusted partnerships with children, families and the teachers and staff who serve them,” Superintendent Daniel Rehman said. “She brings fresh energy and a clear vision to our community, and I am confident that our students will thrive with her at the helm. We are fortunate to have her in West Hempstead.”
Rivera said she is excited to bring her experience and leadership to the West Hempstead community while continuing to learn about the school and its students, staff and families.
“I’m very excited to be here. I’m very happy to be here and I’m hoping that energy transcends into the building, and to the students as well,” Rivera said.
