Drew School Welcomes Jacob Rivers as New Director of Equity and Social Impact
Drew School is delighted to announce the appointment of Jacob Rivers as our new Director of Equity and Social Impact, beginning this summer. This appointment is the culmination of a thorough search process conducted in partnership with Strategenius, one of the only BIPOC-owned search firms with deep ties to the independent school network.
Jacob comes to us from Stevenson School in Pebble Beach, where he serves as Co-Director of Equity & Inclusion. Throughout his career, Jacob has demonstrated exceptional leadership in cultivating inclusive communities that celebrate diversity and empower individuals to thrive. He brings extensive experience from previous roles at Viewpoint School and Greenhill School, where he designed culturally responsive curriculum, facilitated professional development, and created innovative resources to enhance racial and cultural literacy.
"My primary motivation is building community around the central driving force of Joy," Jacob shares. "I believe that joy fuels curiosity, resilience, and a love of learning that transcends obstacles."
Beyond his school responsibilities, Jacob is the founder of Black Royalty, a national network dedicated to supporting, recruiting, and retaining educators of color in independent schools. He holds a Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership from Mount Holyoke College and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Trinity College.
Jacob's educational philosophy centers on creating environments where students, families, and staff engage with different viewpoints and connect the unknowns of the external world to their own lived experiences. His approach emphasizes that "when we prioritize care, collaboration, and communication among educators, we create a foundational culture that amplifies our entire community."
Here are some fun facts that Jacob shared:
- My primary motivation is building community around the central driving force of Joy. Having researched the topic throughout my life, I'm very intentional about it.
- I was born and raised in Brooklyn with 5 siblings.
- I have a 4 year old daughter, who I love like cooked food. Sometimes more.
- I'm a trained Yoga teacher.
- My favorite part about teaching is the look on a person's face when they "get it."
- My favorite book is "The Great Gatsby" because of its portrayal of Gatsby as a Black Man. (I have proof)
- I was a 2 sport Athlete in College (Track & Football)
- My dream home is a Scottish Castle in the middle of Times Square.
Please join us in welcoming Jacob to Drew School! We look forward to the positive impact his leadership will bring to our community.
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An independent, nonsectarian, coeducational college preparatory school serving grades 9–12 where teenagers’ questions, self-expression, and high ambitions are respected, supported, and at the center of the experience.
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