History of Pedro Rivera (educator) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 19, 2025

Pedro A. Rivera is an educator and former Pennsylvania Secretary of Education, appointed by Governor Tom Wolf in 2015. Prior to his state-level role, he was the superintendent of the School District of Lancaster, where he improved graduation rates, reading proficiency, and financial reserves. Before Lancaster, Rivera dedicated 13 years to the School District of Philadelphia. Since October 2020, Rivera has served as President of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. His academic achievements have garnered recognition from The Washington Post and the White House.

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Full Timeline

August 2001: Principal Positions

In August 2001, Pedro Rivera started his role as a principal in the School District of Philadelphia.

July 2006: Principal Positions

In July 2006, Pedro Rivera held principal positions at Sheridan Elementary School and assistant principal of Kensington High School.

April 16, 2008: Appointed Superintendent of the School District of Lancaster

On April 16, 2008, Pedro Rivera was appointed superintendent of the School District of Lancaster.

2008: Accepted Lancaster Position

In 2008, Pedro Rivera accepted a position in Lancaster after spending 13 years at the School District of Philadelphia.

September 2014: Honored by the White House as a "Champion of Change"

In September 2014, Pedro Rivera was honored by the White House as a "Champion of Change", and as one of the 10 Hispanic leaders in the United States doing "extraordinary work in education".

November 2014: Joined Lawsuit Against Governor Tom Corbett

In November 2014, Pedro Rivera joined five other school districts in filing a lawsuit in the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania against then-Governor Tom Corbett and other state officials, arguing they had "adopted an irrational funding system that does not deliver the essential resources students need".

January 20, 2015: Nominated as Pennsylvania Secretary of Education

On January 20, 2015, Governor Tom Wolf nominated Pedro Rivera to become Pennsylvania Secretary of Education.

June 3, 2015: Nomination Unanimously Confirmed

On June 3, 2015, Pedro Rivera's nomination was unanimously confirmed by the Pennsylvania State Senate.

June 2015: Confirmed as Pennsylvania Secretary of Education

In June 2015, Pedro Rivera was confirmed as Pennsylvania Secretary of Education, after being nominated by Governor Tom Wolf.

October 1, 2020: Became President of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

On October 1, 2020, Pedro Rivera assumed the role of President at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.

November 2020: Named Volunteer Member of Joe Biden Presidential Transition Agency Review Team

In November 2020, Pedro Rivera was named a volunteer member of the Joe Biden presidential transition Agency Review Team to support transition efforts related to the United States Department of Education.