Denise Rivard

With 34 years of experience in public education, Denise has dedicated her career to creating meaningful learning experiences and fostering positive relationships with students, educators, and school communities. For the past 13 years, she has served as a Great Expectations Methodology Instructor, facilitating professional learning and inspiring educators across multiple schools and districts. After retiring from the classroom, she joined the Great Expectations Education Foundation as an Instructional Coach, where she continues her passion for supporting educators and strengthening school culture through the Great Expectations philosophy.

Denise earned her bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University and her master's degree from Saginaw Valley State University. Her educational foundation, combined with decades of classroom and leadership experience, has shaped her commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, and professional growth.

Throughout her career, Denise has served in a variety of leadership roles, mentoring teachers, facilitating professional learning, and collaborating with school leaders to improve teaching and learning. Her experience spans classroom instruction, curriculum development, and professional development. These experiences have given her a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities educators face every day.

As a Great Expectations Instructional Coach, Denise partners with teachers and administrators to implement the Great Expectations model with fidelity while helping schools build cultures where every learner is valued, challenged, and inspired. Drawing on more than a decade of experience as a Great Expectations instructor, she especially enjoys facilitating Great Expectations Methodology training, coaching educators, and supporting schools as they pursue continuous improvement through the Great Expectations framework.

Denise believes that strong relationships, high expectations, and engaging instruction have the power to transform classrooms and positively impact the lives of students. She is passionate about empowering educators to create environments where students and adults alike feel valued, inspired, and equipped to reach their fullest potential.

Outside of work, Denise enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out, gardening, and creating inviting outdoor spaces. Living in Michigan, she especially enjoys the beauty of fall and cheering on her favorite team, the Detroit Lions. Above all, she values lifelong learning and is grateful for the opportunity to continue making a difference through Great Expectations.