Richard Boardman, M.Ed. ‘07

Principal
Mount Pleasant Elementary School

What motivated you to pursue your graduate degree?  I viewed my professional trajectory with a specific aim. I worked as a paraprofessional, special educator, and then classroom teacher, all in hopes of preparing me for an administrative role, given that varied background and breadth of experiences. In the midst of being a classroom teacher and a faculty leader, I felt the time was right to move towards my administrative degree.   

A proud career or life accomplishment?  I was blessed with an opportunity to be part of a group of faculty to open a charter high school in Washington DC. It began with an inaugural group of students in grades 6-9 from the Columbia Heights neighborhood in Northwest DC. [The] proudest moment of my career was watching those 50 young women and men earn their diplomas – with a 100% college acceptance rate!

Your advice to future students? Spend time on campus and interact with the faculty. Riv has a nurturing community of learners that push your professional thinking and support your individual growth. Choosing the right school is not an easy decision, yet Riv allowed me feel well informed, excited about my future, and confident in my decision!