Long Island Fifth-Grade Educator is PETA’s 2025 Elementary School Teacher of the Year

For Immediate Release:
May 6, 2025

Contact:
Sara Groves 202-483-7382

To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9), TeachKind—PETA’s humane education division—has named Washington Rose Elementary School educator Nicole Rivera its 2025 Elementary School Teacher of the Year for seamlessly incorporating compassion into her fifth-grade curriculum and making kindness to animals a celebrated part of her school’s culture.

TeachKind’s 2025 Elementary School Teacher of the Year, Nicole Rivera, alongside her fifth-grade students at Washington Rose Elementary School.

Rivera, a Nationally Board-Certified educator from Hempstead, New York, uses topics ranging from the rainforest to sustainability to teach her students age-appropriate lessons about the environmental and animal welfare effects of the meat, egg, and dairy industries. Rivera—who keeps student-made advocacy posters proudly displayed on bulletin boards in the hallway outside her classroom—says she strives to teach her students that “one person, no matter how small, can make a difference.” And students are taking the lesson home, with families reporting that they’re opting for meat-free meals and encouraging more conscious choices at the dinner table.

A longtime vegan passionate about equity and inclusion in education, Rivera has collaborated with colleagues to offer nutritious plant-powered options during school events and inspired her fellow educators to incorporate empathy into their curricula by keeping the school’s main office stocked with TeachKind materials. She’s also helped make a Liberation Summer event with author Stewart Mitchell an annual fifth-grade tradition at her school—giving students a chance to learn what it’s like to be an author, how kids of all ages can help animals, and much more.

“Nicole Rivera’s thoughtful lessons about making kind choices for animals and the planet have instilled her students with empathy and respect for all,” says PETA Vice President Marta Holmberg. “TeachKind is delighted to recognize this outstanding educator for empowering young learners to use their voices to make the world a more compassionate place.”

In addition to her work at Washington Rose Elementary School, Rivera regularly volunteers in Jamaica, teaching local students and providing professional development to teachers through the GreatShape! Program.

Rivera will receive a framed certificate and a prize package of animal-friendly goodies, including an artisanal vegan cheese box from Rebel Cheese. TeachKind also plans to work with Rivera throughout the year to help her develop ways to support and encourage other teachers to bring similar lessons into their classrooms.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. TeachKind offers free presentations, lessons, and other resources to help teachers add compassion to their curricula. For more information, please visit TeachKind.org or follow TeachKind on Facebook or Instagram.