As Executive Director of Teaching and Learning for the largest school district in Ohio, serving over 47,000 students, I am responsible for academic divisions and specialized programming. These areas include: literacy, mathematics, social studies, science, unified arts, early childhood education, English language learners, graduation completion, learning technology, and library services.

Kelly J. Rivers is a visionary educational leader with a steadfast commitment to equity and excellence in learning for all children. With over 20 years of experience in instructional, administrative, and executive roles, she has led transformative initiatives in early childhood education, literacy, and multilingual learning—always with a focus on measurable impact and sustainable growth.

Currently, as the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning for Ohio’s largest school district, Kelly leads multiple divisions with oversight of both Title and General Fund budgets. Her direct budget management has exceeded $70 million. Through strategic investment of these resources, her executive leadership has propelled district-wide academic improvements, leading to measurable gains in student outcomes.

Kelly's career includes service as the Director of Early Childhood Education, Principal of an innovative Early Literacy Campus, and Lead Reading Coordinator. In each role, she has pioneered impactful programs, cultivated strong community partnerships, and delivered academic gains. Her ability to lead during crises was demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she launched the district's first Pre-K remote learning platform and the "Rising Kindergarten" summer learning experience in 2021, to ensure uninterrupted learning.

She holds a B.A. in Psychology and Communications from Denison University, an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from The Ohio State University (OSU), and administrative licensure from Ashland University and expected from OSU.

A respected thought leader, Kelly has presented at major national educational conferences including the Conference of Great City Schools, Ohio School Boards Association, Buckeye Association of School Administrators, National HMH Literacy Summit, Regional Waterford Literacy Summit, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Parent Conference, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Title Conference, and the 2023 Scholastic Executive Meeting. She is an active member of the Forum for Educational Leadership, Women Leading Ed, and both a Cotterman Chair Committee Member and Educational Advisory Board Member at Capital University, and has hosted many federal and state education leaders.