MCPS
has announced that Douglas Rivera is this year’s High School Counselor of the Year. According to MCPS, Rivera is entering his 10th year as a school counselor at MCPS, where he continually exemplifies commitment and passion for student success.
Per MCPS: Before joining Wheaton, Rivera served as a resource counselor, restorative justice coordinator, and was an active member of both the Instructional Leadership Team and Equal Opportunity Schools. At Wheaton, he sponsors the Minority Scholars Program and plays an integral role on the master scheduling team. In the past year, he also supervised a counseling intern, highlighting his dedication to professional growth and mentorship. At the county level, Rivera actively contributes to BOND (Building Our Network of Diversity), which focuses on recruiting, retaining, and empowering educators of color, and is a member of PODER Educators, an organization that recruits and supports Latino educators.
Rivera is a relentless advocate for students, ensuring their academic, emotional, and social needs are met. His remarkable ability to connect with families means that they always have access to the resources needed for success.
When students express difficulties with staying in school or attending class, Rivera employs student-centered interventions designed to help them overcome these challenges. His office is a welcoming environment where teachers can bring students for restorative circles aimed at repairing classroom relationships. Students feel comfortable sharing their struggles with him, and he diligently connects them with essential resources both in and out of the classroom. This approach has fostered a supportive school culture where students feel heard, safe, and empowered to navigate challenges effectively.
Beyond his daily responsibilities, Rivera also prepares students for life after graduation. He attends multiple college fairs and tours, mentors students through the college application process, and provides guidance on essay writing, resume building, and interview preparation.
