
Literacy transforms communities and creates a culture of continuous progress. To me, literacy is the key to living a more impactive life. Yet, each day that passes in this digital age, the definition of literacy can, and should be, challenged.
I believe everyone has the right to live a literate life including each student that walks through our doors. Yet, I worry that we are not making bold moves to continuous redefine the competencies that our youth will depend on tomorrow. I love that the Institute for Humane Education is paving the way for educators to guide young people to be center stage in solving global ethical issues.
Lisa R. Rivard, of East China, Michigan, is an Adjunct Professor at Wayne State University and a K-12 Language Arts Consultant for Macomb Intermediate School District. She earned her Ph.D. in Instructional Technology from Wayne State University, Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Oakland University, and Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction and Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Michigan State University. Lisa completed IHE’s Solutionary Program Online Course and the Educational Policy Fellowship Program, a national program of the Institute for Educational Leadership.
Lisa has a passion for literacy and in recent years held the title of President for the Michigan Reading Association. Currently, Lisa serves on the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administers’ (MAISA) Early Literacy Task Force. Dr. Rivard was also recently appointed to the Michigan Governor’s Educational Advisory Council with a term expiring May 9, 2022.