Current & Former Students

Back To School With Mr. Rivas

Dickinson High School teacher Zach Rivas '15

Zach Rivas ’15, known as “Mr. Rivas” to his ninth graders at Dickinson High School, wasn’t originally going to be a teacher. But when the marine biology graduate decided it was time to make a career change, he made a pivotal shift to teaching, fueled by the love of learning his own teachers instilled in him.

Growing up in El Paso, Rivas spent kindergarten through 12th grade in the same school district, eventually graduating from an early college high school with an associate’s degree. With a graduating class of just 88 students, Rivas said that the smaller class sizes allowed for more hands-on opportunities for learning. 

“We were so small and so focused on academics,” Rivas said. “Learning was in depth and up close. My educational journey was so positive and engaging, and at the end of the day, I want to provide that for somebody else.”

After graduation, Rivas attended Texas A&M University at Galveston for his undergraduate degree in marine biology, encouraged by the small school feeling and big school resources. While in school, he quickly dove into student life, which he says supplemented his education with close friendships, unique academic opportunities and leadership experience. 

“My advice to any student is to get as involved as possible,” Rivas said. “You get out what you put in. Go to SALT Camp, join an organization and go play sand volleyball – even if you’re terrible at it. Just get involved and connect with people. That’s what’s going to make your experience the best that it can possibly be.”

Rivas spoke fondly of his time as a student at the Galveston Campus and of those he met along the way, including his then-advisor Rachel Ball, who now serves as assistant director of academic advising. He said she helped provide a solid foundation for his experience at the Galveston Campus, putting him and many of his peers on the right track. 

“I have loved watching Zach’s trajectory over the last twelve years,” Ball said. “He is kind, caring and passionate about his students’ success, and I’m thrilled to see him thriving as an educator. He truly represents the core values of what it means to be an Aggie.”

Rivas emphasizes the importance of having a supportive network to his students, who are making the leap from middle school to high school and laying the groundwork for their high school experience and future careers. He is proud of the people in his own network – family, friends, coworkers and yes, former academic advisors – who helped frame his education and propel him forward into the teacher he is today.  

“Ninth grade is a big transitional year for students, but it’s critical for GPA and it sets the tone for the next four years,” Rivas said. “When you lay your foundation inadequately, you won’t be able to follow your dreams. The best way to do that is to get involved, connect with others and ask for help if you need it.” Rivas smiled, then added, “And make good choices.”

When asked why he enjoys working with high school freshmen, Rivas laughed. “They can be such characters with these big, goofy personalities. They’re still kids, but they’re starting this process of turning into adults, although sometimes I have to gently remind them that they aren’t grown quite yet. It’s so fun to watch how much they change just over the course of a year, and then over the remaining three years of high school. It’s really remarkable.” 

Rivas serves as co-advisor for the Dickinson High School student council and directs a summer program for incoming ninth graders to bridge the gap between eighth and ninth grade, allowing them to get a half credit to put them ahead. According to Rivas, most students that drop out or graduate late are often missing just half of a credit, so the summer program is a direct mitigation strategy. The students enrolled in the program get a summer filled with field trips and fun outside of a typical classroom setting, including a tour of Texas A&M Galveston each year. 

Though Rivas acknowledges the challenges that teachers face, he remains committed to his students. Rivas, who just started his fifth year of teaching, was named Dickinson ISD’s 2023-2024 Secondary Teacher of the Year and was recently a finalist for Region 4 Teacher of the Year. It’s easy to see why as he talks about his students. 

“I love seeing the small successes of understanding concepts, especially for students who have struggled in the past,” Rivas said. “Biology can be a difficult subject to learn, but it’s incredible to work and work and work with students to then get to witness the lightbulb moments.” 

He admits that he still has a soft spot for marine mammals and often sneaks his marine biology background into his lessons, where he also emphasizes the importance of the first year of high school.

Outside of the classroom, Rivas is a lifelong learner, avid reader, museum enthusiast and community advocate. He’s the president of Keep Dickinson Beautiful, and this fall, Rivas starts as a student again for the first time since 2015 in pursuit of his master’s degree in administration. He hopes to eventually make a positive impact at a higher level as a school administrator. 

Rivas expressed his excitement for the year ahead, bringing new students, new challenges and new opportunities for learning. Though Rivas says he thinks about his former teachers often, hoping to emulate them in his classroom, he has an exceptional enthusiasm for teaching and an unwavering support for his students, creating his own legacy of excellence in his dedication to student success.