Vivian Rivera is a 4th-grade Spanish dual language educator at Elizabeth Scott Elementary School in Chester, Virginia.

Surrounded by her supportive colleagues, Rivera-Maysonet was overcome with joy upon receiving the prestigious award, “I thought I had lost!” she exclaimed, reflecting on the emotional moment.

NABE annually recognizes a teacher across the nation and also holds other competitions that highlight dual language skills and mastery, such as Being Bilingual Essay and Outstanding Dissertation.

“My journey at Elizabeth Scott has been one filled with so much love and success! Thank you to all my superiors, colleagues, students, family, and friends for your part in all of this! Luz M. León and my people from Academia La Milagrosa de Cayey, thank you!” Rivera-Maysonet wrote on her Facebook page.

According to her cousin, the teacher moved to Virginia from Puerto Rico following the devastating Hurricane María in 2017.