Autumn Rivera is a sixth-grade science teacher at Glenwood Springs Middle School in Colorado, as well as an adjunct professor at Colorado Mountain College. From assisting in a preschool while a high school student, to tutoring fifth graders while in college, to volunteering at an orphanage in Kenya one summer, Rivera has enjoyed working with children most of her life.

During her 17 years as a professional educator, she has worked with elementary to postgraduate students. Rivera holds a Bachelor of Arts in biology and a Master of Arts in Teaching in secondary science from Colorado College, and a Master of Arts in educational leadership from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. She is on the Colorado Science Conference planning committee and the Colorado Science Education Network steering committee. Rivera is the Region 3 Elementary Board representative for the Colorado Association of Science Teachers; volunteers with the American Association of Chemistry Teachers; and has presented a variety of professional development courses at the Roaring Fork EdTech Summit and the Colorado Science Conference.

In addition to being the science lead and a track coach at her middle school, Rivera holds other district leadership roles. She serves on the Roaring Fork School District’s interest-based bargaining committee and is building advisor for the mentor and advisor program. As design facilitator, she plans, organizes and runs schoolwide events such as student-led conferences and Better World Day. Rivera is also a track coach at her middle school. In addition, she enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, and spending quality time with people she loves.