MassCUE is proud to celebrate Kimberly Rivard as our Featured Educator for January 2026!

This Featured Educator post was written by Heather Hannon, ELA teacher at the Carroll School and member of the MassCUE Communications Committee.

Kimberly Rivard has been shaping thoughtful readers, writers, and communicators at Dartmouth High School since 2008. Currently teaching a mix of co-taught and honors-level Grade 10 English classes, Kim’s days are filled with purposeful conversations about language, ideas, and how students can use their voices with confidence and clarity.

Her passion for teaching stems from a simple but powerful truth she learned early on in her academic journey. As she recalls, “I had a professor who said, ‘If you can write well, you can write your ticket anywhere.’” That message continues to guide her work in the classroom. By emphasizing strong reading comprehension and effective writing, Kim strives to equip students with skills that transcend any single subject area.

“If I could help students with the essential skills of reading comprehension and writing,” she explains, “it could make a difference in their lives; they could confidently enter any profession, training, or post-secondary experience they wanted.”

Kim is especially energized by the role technology plays in preparing students for a rapidly changing world. She recognizes that today’s learners must be adaptable, creative, and critical thinkers.

“Now more than ever,” she says, “students will need to be adaptable critical thinkers and communicators in the modern work world. It is exciting to prepare them for this future using technology that helps them be creative and innovative.”

One of Kim’s proudest accomplishments is her collaborative work with Dartmouth’s Instructional Technology Specialist, Jessica Brittingham. Together, they design learning experiences that center student voice, choice, and real-world application.

“I am so very fortunate to work with Jessica Brittingham,” Kim shares. “She is always ready to help me take my ideas to the next level and create a richer, more authentic learning experience for my students.”

Their partnership has resulted in dynamic projects such as 60-Second Documentaries, where students research and present issues of personal importance; a Year Abroad Project, which challenges students to deliver TEDx-style persuasive presentations on international education systems; and a Whistleblower Project that connects The Crucible to modern-day ethical dilemmas. These projects not only deepen content understanding but also build research, presentation, and reflection skills that students carry beyond the classroom.

Technology integration in Kim’s classroom is intentional and student-centered. From engagement tools like Blooket, Gimkit, and Kahoot! to collaborative platforms such as Padlet and online discussion forums, technology is used to enhance—not replace—learning. Kim also emphasizes digital responsibility, noting that her students are actively learning about the ethical use of AI.

At the heart of her daily practice is a tool she relies on heavily: Google Classroom.

“I couldn’t live without Google Classroom!” she says. By posting daily agendas, resources, and assignments, Kim creates transparency and consistency for students while supporting organization and accessibility—especially for those who are absent.

When it comes to trying new tools or strategies, Kim encourages fellow educators to take risks alongside their students.

“Just give it a try and start with something manageable,” she advises. Learning new technologies together has reinforced an important message in her classroom: “Learning doesn’t stop after high school. What better way to show that it is OK not to know everything and take a chance on something new!”

Like many educators, Kim continues to face challenges—particularly in helping reluctant students recognize the value of their own ideas. Still, she remains committed to that work, viewing it as an ongoing goal rather than a fixed obstacle.

Being recognized as a MassCUE Featured Educator came as a surprise, but one she embraces with gratitude.

“It really was an unexpected honor to be included in this group of educators who are passionate about technology in education,” she reflects. “I’m excited to continue learning!”

Through collaboration, creativity, and a deep belief in her students’ potential, Kimberly Rivard exemplifies the thoughtful integration of technology and literacy instruction—making her a truly deserving MassCUE Featured Educator.

Kimberly Rivard’s Bio:

Kimberly Rivard is an English teacher at Dartmouth High School, where she has been inspiring students since 2008 to become confident readers, writers, and communicators. She holds a BA in English Writing and Communication from UMass Dartmouth and a Master of Arts in Teaching in English from Bridgewater State University. Always on the lookout for new ideas, Kim embraces technology and collaboration to create meaningful, student-centered learning experiences. Outside of the classroom, she is a proud grandmother to two beautiful grandchildren and enjoys thrift shopping in search of unique finds.

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