Teacher of the Month - January 2026
In cooperation with the Mayor's office and City Council, the Rotary Club of Okla. City recognizes an outstanding teacher in our community.
Mr. Alex Rivera joined Putnam City Schools in 2023, bringing with him more than a decade of experience in music education during which he has worked to make a lasting impact on students through innovative instruction, meaningful mentorship, and a deep belief in the transformative power of the arts. He was named the Putnam City District Teacher of the Year for the previous school year, a recognition that reflects his unwavering dedication to student success, educator collaboration, and the broader mission of Putnam City Schools. Mr. Rivera credits his own teachers and mentors—who surrounded him with love, care, and encouragement—as instrumental in helping him overcome childhood adversity, graduate high school, and become a first-generation college student.
Alex earned his Bachelor of Music Education in Voice from the University of Oklahoma, and has since become a passionate advocate for arts education and student empowerment through culturally responsive teaching and inclusive music practices. He expresses his teaching philosophy by saying, “My main goal is to cultivate an environment where it is safe to create, make mistakes, ask questions, and be your truest self.”
Mr. Rivera has demonstrated leadership beyond the classroom by serving as Region O Chairperson for Circle the State, presenting at numerous state and national conferences, and sharing best practices on topics including diversity in music education, bilingual instruction, and fostering student engagement through creative learning techniques.
Mr. Rivera inspires students, colleagues, and the community with his belief that, “Together, we are the village raising our children to be the next generation to have hope, passion, and purpose,” exemplifying the highest ideals of the teaching profession and the values of Putnam City Public Schools
Congratulations, Alex!.
